Laurent-Désiré Kabila (November 27, 1939 – January 16, 2001), or simply
Laurent Kabila, was
President of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo from May 17, 1997, when he overthrew
Mobutu Sese Seko, until his assassination by one of his bodyguards on January 16, 2001. He was succeeded by his son
Joseph eight days later.