Timeline of recent events

This is the timeline of events from March to September 1997 - that is from the rebel uprising in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo to the death of that nation's long-time leader Mobutu Sese Seko.

March 15: The rebels capture Kisangani, the third largest city in Zaire.

March 18: Parliament votes to oust Prime Minister Kengo wa Dondo, but falls short of the necessary three-quarters majority. Parliament calls for a cease-fire and talks with Kabila.

March 20: Mobutu calls for a cease-fire.

March 21: Mobutu returns to Zaire without addressing the nation.

March 23: American troops arrive in Congo.

March 24: Prime Minister Kengo resigns. Mobutu accepts the resignation but asks him to remain head of government until a new premier is named.

April 2: Mobutu appoints Etienne Tshisekedi, a longtime political opponent, as the new prime minister.

April 3: Tshisekedi announces plans to annul the constitution, dissolve parliament and establish a transitional legislative body.

April 5: Peace talks between government and rebel representatives begin in South Africa.

April 9: Mobutu fires Tshisekedi and appoints Gen. Likulia Bolongo to head the government. Rebels enter Lubumbashi, the nation's second-largest city. The United States urges Mobutu to resign.

April 10: Rebels demand Mobutu's resignation within three days or they will march toward the capital of Kinshasa.