446 Chapter 4
Fatalities: 251–500 deaths
Narrative: From March through May 1977, the Democratic Republic of Congo bat-
tled an invasion from Katangan rebels who had been living in exile in Angola since a
failed secessionist attempt against the Congo from 1960 to 1963. The Katangan rebels
returned to Zaire in 1977 in an effort to seize control of the Shaba province—formally
known as the Katangan province, a copper-rich area that held economic value for
both French and Belgian interests. It was widely believed that the rebels were receiv-
ing arms and training from the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Angola, although all three
nations denied participation. However, Angola warned of “grave consequences” if
foreign forces attempted to help Zaire against perceived enemies (such as Cubans and
Russians). France, Belgium, Egypt, and Morocco (and to a lesser extent, the United
States, Sudan, China, and South Africa) offered military and nonmilitary assistance to
Zaire in the wake of the rebel invasion in March 1977. While Zaire’s economy was in
distress during the time of the invasion, the international support allowed the govern-
ment to push back the rebels and recapture towns and strongholds seized by the rebels.
French and Moroccan forces provided the most direct military assistance by sending
in large numbers of troops.
Coding changes: Dropped from the dispute: 484 Congo. Outcome changed from
Unclear. Settlement changed from Unclear.
MID#3011
Dispute Number: 3011
Date(s): March 20, 1978
Participants: 490 Democratic Republic of the Congo/540 Angola
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Angola repelled a Zairean attack that briefly held the town of Caianda.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear.
MID#4071
Dispute Number: 4071
Date(s): October 23, 1994
Participants: 490 Democratic Republic of the Congo/540 Angola
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Angolan aircraft accidentally bombed a Zairean base, but apologized
immediately, citing poor weather for navigational errors. Zaire responded by fortify-
ing its border with additional troops.
Coding changes: End Date changed to October 23, 1994.
MID#4244
Dispute Number: 4244
Date(s): May 8, 1997 to May 1997