Part 2/10:
Starting on August 2, 1998, the Second Congo War, also known as the Great War of Africa, spiraled into a catastrophic conflict that involved multiple nations and armed factions. The war commenced when President Laurent-Désiré Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) turned against former allies Rwanda and Uganda, which had aided him during the First Congo War. This betrayal triggered invasions by both Rwanda and Uganda, igniting a regional conflict as various neighboring nations chose sides.
While nations like Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe sided with the DRC, Burundi aligned with Rwanda and Uganda. The war's violence remained largely confined to the DRC, particularly its mineral-rich eastern provinces.