Understanding the naming conventions of non-European cultures is important for an investigator or anyone wishing to certainly and correctly identify people in our diverse country. The following information is an attempt to assist the reader in correctly applying the conventions of uniquely ethnic names so identification is possible. This article should not be interpreted as indicating any unusual prevalence of any specific ethnic group toward unlawful or immoral activities since no such intention exists. In coming issues of The John Cooke Fraud Report, we will explore the mysteries of the naming practices of many ethnic cultures. In this issue, we look at the various naming traditions of Zaire.

The world history buffs among us may recall that Zaire was formerly called the Congo. From the late 1800s until 1960, the Congo was a Belgian colony; its national labor force exploited by the Europeans running rubber plants. During this period, citizens of the Congo routinely gave their children European or “Christian” names.

In 1960, the Congo won its independence and was renamed Zaire. Five years later, Lt. General Joseph Mobutu seized the presidency and, in the early 1970s, he began his “authenticity campaign. “During this period, President Mobutu ordered that all Zaire citizens abandon their Christian names and replace them with African ones. Authentic African names are always printed, or typed, with the family name in capital letters and preceding the given name. Thus, President Joseph Mobutu became President Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga. Following this edict, the capital city of Leopoldville was renamed Kinshasa.

A recently handled death claim involving a Zaire national was found to be false because the supporting documents (allegedly issued by the government in Zaire) provided by the claimant listed the Christian name. In this particular case, the African names were omitted completely, rendering the documents highly suspect. Investigation revealed that the death certificate was an outright forgery.

When examining claims from Zaire involving Zaire citizens, keep in mind that the supporting official documents must contain the insured’s African name with the family name shown in capital letters, preceding the given name. If it is not shown that way, the documents are undoubtedly fraudulent.

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