At the end of July 1998, President Kabila ordered Rwandan troops to leave the Congo. But in the east of the country, where disillusionment with Kabila's regime was strongest, and the people ethnically aligned with Rwanda, the move triggered a revolt by a faction of the army. President Kabila has blamed the uprising on Rwanda, saying his country has been invaded by foreign forces. He has also accused Uganda of sending troops and tanks across the border. Rwanda and Uganda have admitted their support for the rebels, following earlier denials.
Correspondents say that in Rwanda's case at least, there is a clear motivation for involvement.
Rwandan troops helped Laurent Kabila come to power in 1997. He also enjoyed the support of Uganda and Angola, both anxious to put an end to Mobutu's corrupt regime. Angola and Zimbabwe both have sent troops into Congo in support of President Kabila but Uganda appears to have lost patience with him. Many countries in the region have vital interests in Congo's political stability. It also faces rebel attacks from within Congolese territory by the rebel Allied Democratic Forces.