Part 5/10:
Rwanda's 1996 and 1998 invasions of the DRC—dubbed the First and Second Congo Wars—resulted in millions of deaths, making these conflicts some of the deadliest in modern history. The Second Congo War, in particular, led to an estimated 3 to 5 million fatalities and involved various regional powers, characterizing it as the "African World War."
Rwanda's Motivations: More Than Just Defense
In the years following the last war, Rwanda has portrayed itself as a stable nation capable of maintaining order in the region, earning itself significant foreign aid and investment, particularly from Western nations. Rwanda has strategically positioned itself as a contributor to United Nations peacekeeping efforts across Africa and has lobbied for the portrayal as a reliable partner.