How did Kinshasa become involved in the uprising against Mobutu Sese Seko in the 1990s?

In the mid-1990s, Kinshasa became the focal point of the rebel uprising against the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko. As opposition to Mobutu’s dictatorial leadership intensified, Laurent Kabila emerged as the leader of the newly formed Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL).12

Kabila rallied forces—primarily consisting of Tutsi from eastern Zaire—and launched an offensive from the east in October 1996. Following a series of military successes that saw the fall of key cities such as Kisangani and Lubumbashi, the rebel forces marched westward toward the capital.23

After negotiations between Mobutu and Kabila failed in early May 1997, the AFDL forces entered Kinshasa on May 17, 1997. By the time the rebels reached the city, Mobutu had already fled the country, effectively ending his 32-year rule and allowing Kabila to install himself as head of state.324