the first open fighting
between Ugandan and Rwandan forces in the Second Congo War, when nearly 3,000
people died in the cross fire. This followed the fracturing of the
anti-government rebel group Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) into camps
based in Kisangani and Goma. The fighting was also over the gold mines near the
town. The local population was caught in the cross fire between Ugandan and
Rwandan military forces which led to the destruction of about a quarter of the
city. Various buildings were damaged, most notably the roof of the Cathedral
Rosaire of Notre-Dame, which was ignited by missiles. Both of the foreign
forces were reported to have looted and pillaged the city. Despite the
condemnation of Uganda by the International Court of Justice, establishment of
responsibilities, realization of compensation, or arrests are yet to be made.
More clashes between Rwandan and Ugandan led to thousands more deaths and
widespread destruction on June 5, 2000.
During the Second Congo War, on 14 May 2002, 160 people were
massacred in Kisangani which is believed to be the work of those under the
command of Laurent Nkunda. By the time a peace agreement was signed in 2002, the
town was under the control of the Rwandan-backed Rally for Congolese Democracy
- Goma (RCD-Goma).
The three encounters between Uganda and Rwanda in Kisangani
have been coined the wars of 1 day, 3 days and the deadliest of 6 days in 2000
