The Second Republic of the Congo Civil War initiated a period of intense conflict and transformation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Discontent with the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko, who had ruled since 1965, was increasing due to rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses. This unrest opened avenues for Laurent-Désiré Kabila, a former ally of Mobutu, to rally a coalition of opposition forces. Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) received substantial support from Rwanda and Uganda, which had their motivations linked to ethnic tensions and security concerns in the region. In early June 1997, as fighting escalated, Kabila's forces began capturing key cities, prompting a wider military confrontation across the nation.The civil war became a multi-faceted conflict, characterized by shifting alliances and deep-rooted ethnic tensions. By the end of May 1997, the AFDL had achieved significant territorial gains, and they eventually reached the capital, Kinshasa. Mobutu fled the country, and Kabila proclaimed himself president, marking a pivotal moment in the DRC's complicated political landscape. However, the end of Mobutu's rule did not signify peace, as the power vacuum and unresolved conflicts among various factions laid the groundwork for future turmoil, most notably the Great Lakes conflict that would engulf the region in subsequent years.