Chronology of Events in Congo

— -- Developments in Congo's civil war and peace efforts:

1997 Backed by neighboring Rwanda and Uganda, Laurent Kabila seizes power from Mobutu Sese Seko, who flees into exile.

1998 Kabila distances himself from Rwanda and Uganda, which back rebels who take control of much of eastern Congo. Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia send troops to support Kabila.

Aug. 31, 1999 Deployment of U.N. troops begins

Nov. 1, 1999 U.N. secretary-general recommends increase of U.N. personnel in DRC, including the deployment of up to 500 military observers, provided the necessary military conditions were met.

Nov. 13, 1999 U.N. secretary-general appoints Kamel Morjane (Tunisia) as his special representative for DRC.

Feb. 24, 2000 U.N. Security Council authorizes 5,500-strong U.N. force to monitor 1999 cease-fire among five foreign armies and Kabila, but fighting continues.

Related Stories

Man dies after setting himself on fire near court

• Apr 20, 9:00 AM

Man kills wife, 3 kids in mass shooting: Police

• 27 minutes ago

OJ Simpson dies at 76

• Apr 11, 6:32 PM

January 2001 Kabila killed by bodyguard and succeeded by son, Joseph. U.S. refugee agency says war has killed 2.5 million people, directly or indirectly, since August 1998.

February 2001 Kabila meets Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Washington. Rwanda, Uganda and the rebels agree to a U.N. pullout plan. Uganda, Rwanda begin pulling troops back from the front line.

May 2001 U.S. refugee agency says the war has killed 2.5 million people, directly or indirectly, since August 1998. Later, a U.N. panel says the warring parties are deliberately prolonging the conflict to plunder gold, diamonds, timber and coltan, used in the making of mobile phones.

September/October 2002 Uganda, Rwanda say they have withdrawn most of their forces from the east. U.N.-sponsored power-sharing talks begin in South Africa.

Sept. 10, 2002 U.N. secretary-general proposes an adjustment to U.N. peacekeeping structure in DRC and additional deployment of forces, based in Kindu and Kisangani, as well as a reserve battalion and specialized support units.

Dec. 4, 2002 U.N. Security Council authorizes expansion of U.N. personnel to 8,700 military personnel in two task forces.