1998: |
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Second Congo War begins, involving eight African nations and 25 armed groups. |
1999: |
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Six African countries and Rwandan and Ugandan rebels sign ceasefire accord. Other rebel forces refuse to sign. Former allies Ugana and Rwanda fight over the future of Kisangani region in northeast Congo. |
2000: |
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UN Security Council sends peacekeeping force to monitor ceasefire. |
2001: |
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UN panel states conflict prolonged due to the plundering of gold, diamonds, timber, and coltan. |
2002: |
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Presidents of Congo and Rwanda sign peace agreement. |
2003: |
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Second Congo War officially ends. Fighting continues in the eastern Congo, driven by trade of conflict minerals used in electronics worldwide. |
2006: |
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First free elections held in the Congo. |
2007: |
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Deaths attributable to the Congo conflict number 5.4 million people — including those who died from starvation, violence, or disease — in the deadliest conflict since World War II. Deaths are estimated to continue at 45,000 per month. |
2010: |
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Rape and murder of civilians continues by multiple armed groups, including government troops, rebels, and militias. 18,000 UN peacekeepers remain stationed, unable to prevent the bloodshed. |