Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid grass, symbolizing strength and authority. Above the lion is the country’s name in French, and the date of issue is placed below.

Kabila’s regime, which began in 1997 after he overthrew Mobutu Sese Seko, was characterized by efforts to rebuild the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) after decades of dictatorship. His government sought to restore national sovereignty, but faced internal conflict and external pressures, particularly during the Second Congo War.

Depicts a standing eastern gorilla, the denomination above, and the issue date below.

Gorillas are the largest of the great apes and are native to the dense forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa. There are two main species: the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), each with subspecies that include the endangered Mountain Gorilla and Western Lowland Gorilla. Known for their intelligence, gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and exhibit complex social behaviors within tight-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback male. Despite their strength, gorillas are gentle herbivores that primarily consume leaves, fruit, and shoots. Habitat loss and poaching have threatened their populations, making conservation efforts essential for their survival.