To assure something is to make certain it will happen: Victory is assured for the younger, fitter boxer as he has the advantage. To ensure something is to take steps to make sure that something happens: Seat belts should ensure that you will be unhurt in an accident. To insure something is to take precautions against something undesirable happening: The concertgoers insured against disappointment by buying their tickets early.
The small stars stand for the original provinces of Congo at independence in 1960. The single gold star was said to represent the light of civilization. Effective date: 17 May 1997.