Liberation Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Liberation Day in Democratic Republic of Congo occurs every 17 May to mark the coup d’état that occurred in 1997, led by Laurent-Desire Kabila.

YearDateDayHoliday
202417 MayFriLiberation Day
202517 MaySatLiberation Day
202617 MaySunLiberation Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

In 1960, the former Belgian Congo received its independence and was then known as the Republic of Congo. Immediately after the proclamation of the country’s independence, a political crisis erupted, which only ended when power was taken by Joseph-Desire Mobutu in 1965.

The rule of Mobutu lasted for over 30 years. During this time, the government established a centralised single-party state, which eventually created a type of powerful, cult culture. The dictatorship of Mobutu ended in 1997, after the First Congo War.

The First Congo War was started by Laurent-Desire Kabila, who was the rebel leader. He worked to enlist the support of other countries during the war, including Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda. He began the full-scale rebellion and finally overthrew Mobutu. At the conclusion of the war, on 16 May 1997 Mobutu fled from the country in exile. On the next day, Kabila proclaimed that he was now the President of DR Congo.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202317 MayWedLiberation Day
202217 MayTueLiberation Day
202117 MayMonLiberation Day
202017 MaySunLiberation Day
201917 MayFriLiberation Day
201817 MayThuLiberation Day
201717 MayWedLiberation Day