List of flags of the Democratic Republic of the Congo explained

This is a list of flags used by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its antecedents.

Standards

FlagDateUseDescription
?–present National flag with the addition of the inscription "Le President"
1971–1997 Presidential standard of Zaire
1936–1960 Flag of the Belgian Congo superimposed on the top left of the flag of Belgium

Sub-national

FlagDateUseDescription
1960–1967
1967–2011
2011–present

Rebel groups

FlagDateUseDescription
2006–present The design of this flag resembles the flag of Zaire.
1996–present
2014–present
2000–present
2010s–present
1987–presentFlag of the Lord's Resistance Army

Ethnic groups flags

FlagDateUseDescription
?–presentFlag of Batwa (originally it was only represented by Batwa in Rwanda)
?–presentFlag of the Bakongo in DMK

Historical

National

FlagDateAssociated stateDesignNotes
1876–1879International African AssociationBlue background emblazoned with a central yellow five-pointed starThe blue background symbolises the Congo River and the yellow star (which is still used) symbolises both unity, and a bright future. It was the only flag used during the entire period of colonial Belgian administration.
1879–1885International Association of the Congo
1885–1908Congo Free State
1908–1960 Belgian Congo
1960–1963First Congolese RepublicAn additional six yellow five-pointed stars are added to the hoistThe added stars represent the six state provinces existing at the time of independence from Belgium.
1963–1964A yellow five-pointed star sitting alongside a red and gold bend sinister on a blue backgroundThe red bend represents the blood of martyrs, and the gold frame represents the riches of the land.
1964–1966
1966–1971The red and gold bend sinister was changed to a reduced bend sinister
1971–1997Republic of ZaireLight green emblazoned with a yellow circle containing an arm holding a red torchFilled with Pan-African colours, the flag has a central emblem which is that of the Popular Movement. The torch symbolises the spirit of revolution and the lives of dead revolutionaries.
1997–2003Democratic Republic of the Congo
2003–2006

Other

FlagDateUseDescription
1895–1908
1960–1962
1960–1963
1971–1997 Flag of the Armed Forces of Zaire Similar to the Presidential Standard of Zaire

References

General

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