Timeline of Republic of the Congo

Chronology

8 events spanning the history of Republic of the Congo. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1400

   Bakongo, Bateke and Sanga ethnic groups arrive in what is now the Republic of Congo.

   Bakongo, Bateke and Sanga ethnic groups arrive in what is now the Republic of Congo.

2. 1482

   Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao explores the coastal areas.

   Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao explores the coastal areas.

3. 1910

   Middle Congo, as it was known then, becomes a colony of French Equatorial Africa.

   Middle Congo, as it was known then, becomes a colony of French Equatorial Africa.

4. 1960

   Congo becomes independent with Fulbert Youlou as president.

   Congo becomes independent with Fulbert Youlou as president.

5. 1981

   Congo signs treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Soviet Union.

   Congo signs treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Soviet Union.

6. 1993

   Bloody fighting between government and opposition forces.

   Bloody fighting between government and opposition forces over disputed parliamentary elections.

7. 1994

   Ceasefire between government and opposition established.

   Ceasefire between government and opposition established. The opposition given government posts.

8. 2004

   Congo removed from list of countries recognized as dealing legitimately in diamonds.

   World diamond trade watchdog removes Congo from list of countries recognized as dealing legitimately in diamonds.