1996 - 1997

First Congo War. Rwanda and Uganda, in support of Kabila Sr, defeat Mobutu. Kabila Sr installed as President.

1998 - 2003

Second Congo War. DRC, Angola, Zimbabwe vs Rwanda and Uganda. Mushrooming of local armed groups (mayi-mayi).

1999

First deployment of MONUC as an observation mission.

2001

Kabila Sr assassinated. Kabila Jr takes over.

2003

Sun City agreements: foreign protagonists leave the DRC. Focus shifts to local rebel groups and FDLR. Ituri crisis leads to Chapter VII mandate. MONUC strengthening its presence in the east.

2004

Bukavu taken by Laurent Nkunda’s forces.

2006

First-ever democratic elections. Kabila elected for the first time. Army reform process started.

2007

Nkunda forms CNDP, controls large parts of Masisi and Rutshuru. Threatens Goma. MONUC and FARDC fight him off.

2008

Goma accords. Host of local armed groups sign peace agreement. New army reform plan.

2009

23rd March agreement between DRC, Rwanda and the CNDP rebel movement. CNDP integrates into the army. Anti-FDLR/armed group operations start.

2010

MONUC becomes MONUSCO. Starts conditionality policy for support to Congolese army. Large-scale displacement because of military activities.

2011

Elections, widespread fraud. Kabila wins. Government proposes drawdown of the UN mission.

2012

Disbandment of Amani Leo operation. Ex-CNDP officers start the M23. M23 routs Congolese army. Fall of Goma to the M23.

2013

Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework signed. MONUSCO Force Intervention Brigade started. Military defeat of the M23.

2014

New electoral calendar revealed. Opposition protests against possible third term for Kabila. Anti-ADF operations.

2015

Anti-FDLR operations start under blacklisted generals. MONUSCO told to slim down by 6,000 men.