 The abacost was seen as the uniform of Mobutu's supporters, especially those who had benefited from his regime.When Mobutu announced a transition to multiparty democracy in 1990, he said that the Western suit and tie would be allowed, but that he continued to favor the abacost and it would still be considered the national dress.Subsequently, when the transitional government was sworn in, all of the ministers were wearing abacosts.