Kanyarwandan War

The Kanyarwandan War (1963-1966 ) was a conflict in the northeastern region of Congo-Léopoldville, specifically the newly-established province of North Kivu, between the Banyarwanda and indigenous groups within North Kivu including the Hunde and Nande groups. It was sparked by years of ethnic tensions between the Banyarwandan people (Hutu and Tutsi people who emigrated to Congo-Léopoldville from Rwanda), who had significant influence and power in North Kivu and surrounding provinces, and native groups such as the Hunde and Nande groups.

The war led to numerous massacres orchestrated by both sides, but mainly against the Banyarwandans. In 1965, following Mobutu Sese Seko's takeover of Congo-Léopoldville, the Banyarwandans were given administrative control over the northeastern regions of what was then Zaire. It is largely unknown as to why Mobutu did this.