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The Congo Gains Independence
The Democratic Republic of the Congo gains its independence from Belgium and Joseph Kasavubu becomes the first president (Addario). -
Joseph Mobutu 1st Gains Power
As Kasavubu wrestles over power, Joseph Mobutu overthrows the government (Addario). Kasavubu would eventually be restored as president (Robertson). -
Joseph Mobutu Regains Power
Mobutu regains power in a second military coup and replaces Kasavubu as head of state (Addario). -
Establishment of Zaire
Joseph Mobutu changes the name of the country to Zaire, showing how powerful he is (Robertson). -
Foreign Investors Banished
Mobutu banishes all foreign investors from the country (Addario). -
Increased Economical Downfall
Zaire fails to pay back loans to Belgium, resulting in the cancellation of development programs and deterioration of the economy (Addario). -
New Constitution Proposed
Mobutu ends the ban on multiparty politics and allows more than 200 political parties to be established (Robertson). -
Rival Parties are Established
Rival pro and anti Mobutu parties are established (Addario). -
Tutsit Rebels Invade
The Tutsi Rebels capture most of eastern Zaire while Mobutu is away receiving medical treatment (Addario). -
Kinshasa Captured
The Tutsi Rebels capture Kinshasa (the capital of Zaire) and rename the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Robertson). Laurent-Desire Kabila is installed as president. -
2nd Congo War Begins
The Congolese Liberation Movement supported by Uganda begin to fight with the Rally for Congolese Democracy rebels backed by Ruwanda (Robertson). This is known as the 2nd Congo War (Robertson). -
Peace Treaty Signed
The six African countries involved in the 1st war sign a peace treaty at Lusaka (Addario). -
Kabila Assassinated
Kabila is shot dead and his son, Joseph Kabila, becomes the next president (Robertson). -
End of the 2nd Congo War
The 2nd Congo War comes to an end in December of 2002 -
First Democratic Elections
Joseph Kabila wins the 1st ever elections, causing a lot of debate about whether the elections were fair among the people (Robertson).
