WORLD IN BRIEF : ZAIRE : Mobutu Pledges Multi-Party State
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
President Mobutu Sese Seko lifted a 20-year ban on opposition parties in Zaire and announced that he will let a multi-party government replace his regime in a year. Mobutu, 59, has been absolute ruler since taking power Nov. 24, 1965. His government has come under intense criticism recently for alleged corruption. In a nationally broadcast speech, Mobutu said that he is setting up a transitional government to rule until free elections can be held.
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