Congo War, First

The First Congo War (1996 to 1997) ends when Zairean President Mobutu Sésé Seko is overthrown by rebel forces backed by foreign powers such as Uganda and Rwanda.

Rebel leader Laurent-Désiré Kabila declares himself president and changes the name of the nation back to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The war sets the foundation for, and is quickly followed by, the Second Congo War, which is to begin on August 2, 1998.