The controversial political leader Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) for more than thirty years, is credited with saying this. Mobutu, who was born in 1930 and came to power via military takeovers and calculated pacts, was notorious for his corruption and authoritarian governance. He was one of the most well-known African leaders of the Cold War era due to his regime's economic mismanagement, violations of human rights, and cult-like personality cult.

Mobutu's annoyance with changing political allegiances is evident in his statement. Due to their shifting priorities, he found himself more and more alone and ignored by Western powers, especially the United States, who had previously supported him strongly because of their strategic interests in the area. This feeling is similar to someone who has been a faithful friend but eventually discovers that, when things change, their support is no longer valued or appreciated.

The quotation demonstrates how, rather than being based on the personal allegiance of those involved, political relationships can be brittle and quickly changed by changing global dynamics. It draws attention to the frequently transactional character of international relations, where nations may back leaders who initially serve their interests but swiftly turn their backs on them when those interests change or new alliances prove more advantageous.

Throughout his rule, Mobutu skillfully handled the complexities of Cold War politics and preserved considerable power in spite of Zaire's many internal problems and economic suffering. However, the support systems he had depended on for decades changed along with the political landscapes around the world, which resulted in the feeling of betrayal or disillusionment that this quote captures.

Mobutu's statement is essentially a warning about the ephemeral nature of foreign assistance and the value of independence in political leadership. It perfectly captures how even powerful coalitions can break down when more significant geopolitical factors are involved, leaving leaders like Mobutu to feel abandoned by erstwhile allies whose priorities have changed.