Six-Day War (2000) Explained

Conflict:Six-Day War
Partof:the Second Congo War
Date:5–10 June 2000
Place:Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Result:UN-brokered ceasefire
  • Rwanda maintains control over Simsimi Airport
  • Uganda asked by the UN to withdraw north to Bafasende
  • Capture of Ugandan senior officers, in contravention of the ceasefire
Combatant1: Rwanda
Combatant2: Uganda
Commander1:Emmanuel Karenzi Karake
Commander2:James Kazini[1]
Casualties1:2 brigades destroyed
Casualties2:~600–700 killed (estimate)[2]
Casualties3:Total casualties (estimate):[3]
1,576 killed
3,000 wounded

The Six-Day War (fr|Guerre des Six Jours) was a series of armed confrontations between Ugandan and Rwandan forces around the city of Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 5 to 10 June 2000. The war formed part of the wider Second Congo War (1998–2003).

Kisangani was also a scene of violence between Rwandan and Ugandan troops in August 1999 and 5 May 2000. However, the conflicts of June 2000 were the most lethal and seriously damaged a large part of the city, with more than 6,600 rounds fired.[4]

According to Justice et Libération, a human rights organisation based in Kisangani, the violence resulted in around 1,000 deaths and wounded at least 3,000, the majority of whom were civilians.[3] An entire brigade was wiped out at Bangoka Airport and another was destroyed at Simsimi Airport and the Sotexki textile industry.

In culture

The 2020 documentary film "Downstream to Kinshasa" by director Dieudo Hamadi centers on survivors of the Six-Day War, in which the victims travel to Kinshasa to seek compensation from the government.[5] [6] [7]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Hranjski . Hrvoje . Rwanda Routs Uganda in Congo Battle . 6 December 2022 . The Washington Post . 12 June 2000.
  2. Web site: Uganda Correspondent . Uganda Correspondent . 20 March 2017.
  3. http://www.afriquespoir.com/Ae12/page5.html La Guerre des Six Jours
  4. http://www.lepotentiel.com/afficher_article.php?id_edition=&id_article=29525 Kisangani : commémoration du 6e anniversaire de la guerre de six jours
  5. Web site: Independent. The. 8 June 2020. Trauma lingers from DR Congo's 'Six-Day War,' 20 years on. 17 May 2021. The Independent Uganda.
  6. Web site: TIFF 2020: Downstream to Kinshasa Review – Point of View Magazine. 17 May 2021. povmagazine.com. 14 September 2020 . en.
  7. Web site: Vourlias. Christopher. 26 June 2020. 'Downstream to Kinshasa,' First Congolese Film in Cannes Official Selection, Honors Resilience of War Victims. 17 May 2021. Variety. en-US.