Liberation Day in DR Congo Date in the current year: May 17, 2025
On May 17 each year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) celebrates Liberation Day. It is a public holiday that commemorates the 1997 coup d'etat led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila.In 1960, the Belgian Congo achieved its independence as the Republic of Congo (the country's present name was adopted later). The proclamation of the independence was immediately followed by a political crisis which ended when Joseph-Desiré Mobutu seized power in 1965.
Mobutu's rule lasted for more than three decades. He established a centralized single-party state and eventually became the object of a powerful cult of personality. Mobutu's dictatorship ended in 1997, following the First Congo War.
The war was initiated by the rebel leader Laurent-Désiré Kabila who enlisted the support from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. He started a full-scale rebellion and eventually overthrew Mobutu. On May 16, 1997, Mobutu fled into exile. The next day, Kabila proclaimed himself President.
National Liberation Day in DR Congo is a non-working holiday, so all government offices and most businesses are closed for the day. The holiday is marked with public speeches, colorful street parades, and cultural shows.
- Category
- Public Holidays
- Country
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tags
- Liberation Day in DR Congo, holidays in DR Congo, public holiday, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, Joseph-Desiré Mobutu