Could the French have intervened in Zaire in 1997 to prevent Mobutu's overthrow?
Technically, yes. Well-trained troops are ready in Libreville to secure the most important parts of Zaïre.
Politically, no.
-No political or economical interest whatsoever with keeping Mobutu in power.
- No French residents to protect, excepting in Kinshasa, but you can ferry them quite easily from Brazzaville.
-After the Rwandan fiasco, much better to let Mobutu fall and avoid any accusations from Kagamé or the Anglo-Saxons.