The Congo Civil War was the deadliest conflict since World War II, resulting in an estimated 5.4 million deaths.¹⁾

It involved multiple countries and armed groups, making it a regional war with far-reaching implications.²⁾

The war was a continuation of the First Congo War (1996-1997) and was driven by political, economic, and ethnic factors.³⁾

The conflict was sometimes referred to as “Africa's World War” due to the involvement of numerous African nations.⁴⁾

Rebel groups and foreign forces vied for control over the DRC's vast mineral resources, including diamonds, gold, and coltan.⁵⁾