1885: Belgium's King gains title to the Congo. Exploitation begins.
1908: Belgian state takes over.
1960: Independence.
Belgian interests stir up rivalries and Tshombe declares Katanga independent. The USA conspires against president Lumumba.
1961: Tshombe has Lumumba killed and CIA dispose of body. US then works against Tshombe and backs a united Congo.
1963: Congo is united.
1965: Mobutu takes over and renames the country Zaire. During years of corruption and oppression he is frequently supported by the US and others.
1996-97: Rebels take control while Mobutu is abroad. Zaire is renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.
1998: Rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda try to take control. Angola and Namibia support the government.
1999: Ceasefire signed.
2002: Power sharing deal signed, but peace remains illusive.