Abacost

Early political career Presidency The abacost, a blending of the French "à bas le costume" (lit.

'down with the suit'), was the distinctive clothing for men that was promoted by Mobutu Sese Seko as part of his authenticité programme in Zaire, between 1972 and 1990.

Zairians were banned from wearing Western-style suits with shirt and tie to symbolise the break with their colonial past.

When Mobutu announced a transition to multiparty democracy in 1990, he said that the Western suit and tie would be allowed, but that he continued to favor the abacost and it would still be considered the national dress.

[3] Alfons Mertens, employed by Arzoni, became Mobutu's personal tailor, also making uniforms for him and his entourage.