ZAIRE: Mobutu's 'Victory'

ZAÏRE

Ever since Moroccan troops arrived last month and the U.S., France and Belgium offered a little help, the fortunes of Zaire's strange little war have turned sharply in favor of the central government. As the threat declined, President Mobutu Sese Seko flew to the supposedly embattled Shaba region—the former Katanga province—to inspect some recaptured villages. TIME Nairobi Bureau Chief Lee Griggs, who accompanied Mobutu on the trip, sent this report:

A month ago, Mobutu's well-equipped but poorly motivated soldiers were in disgraceful retreat,...

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