Republic of Congo Civil Wars (1993 - 1994) (1997 - 1999)

After the fall of scientific socialism in 1990, the Republic of Congo made steps towards multiparty politics and held its first elections in 1993. UPADS candidate Pascal Lissouba was victorious in the polls, but the outcome was disagreed by the other candidates Bernard Kolelas and Sassou Nguesso who eventually went on to form militias comprised of their ethnic groups and launched a civil war against Lissouba. Peace accords were signed, and Lissouba remained in power. However, failing to stabilize the economy and implement the accords, violence continued in the lead up to the 1997 elections. Anticipating a coup, Lissouba ordered his militia to detain his rival Sassou and disarm his supporters. Fighting broke out across the city which became divided between the various militias. Troops from the DRC and Angola soon joined the sides of Lissouba and Sassou respectively, motivated by deterring internal rivalries within their own countries. Under the cover of Angolan air strikes, Sassou captured the capital in October 1998 and ousted Lissouba, whose militias re-grouped and by late 1998 had captured the south of the country. The war eventually ended in December 1999 following a peace treaty between Sassou and Lissouba's Cobra faction.