The Second Congo War commenced

The Second Congo War, also known as the Great War of Africa, commenced in 1998 and lasted until 2003, marking one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. This devastating war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 5.4 million people, primarily due to disease and starvation rather than direct combat. The conflict was ignited when Rwanda and Uganda provided support to various rebel groups opposing the government of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who had come to power following the First Congo War. In response, Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe intervened militarily to support Kabila's government. The war was characterized by widespread human rights violations, including mass rapes and the recruitment of child soldiers, which drew international condemnation. Although the war officially concluded with the signing of peace accords in 2003, violence and instability persisted, particularly in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The legacy of the Second Congo War continues to affect the region, highlighting the complex interplay of local and international politics in Africa.