President Laurent Kabila
Swept to power in 1997 after his forces toppled longtime Zairian dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Kabila relied heavily on Rwandan Tutsi soldiers and Banyamulenge Tutsis for support during the rebellion.
• Rebellion Breaks Out in Congo
• Kabila Vows Reprisal Against 'Aggression'

Rwandan Vice President/Defense Minister Paul Kagame
Widely believed to be responsible for masterminding the rebellion that put Kabila in power. Kabila now accuses Rwanda and Kagame of trying to oust him.
• Rwandan Raiders Playing With Fire
• Rwanda Army Blamed for 1997 Congo Acts

Rebel Leader Ernest Wamba dia Wamba
Wamba dia Wamba, is the leader of the rebels challenging Kabila's government. A pan-Africanist of the 1960s and a staunchly anti-Mobutu academic, Wamba lived in exile so long that he is little known here except among the political elite.
• Congo Paradox: Rebels Represent More of the Same

Banyamulenge ethnic group
Congolese Tutsis who are among the lead players in the current uprising. Based predominantly in the east, they are closely tied to Rwandan Tutsis.
• Rwandans Led 1997 Revolt in Congo

Rwandan Tutsis
Ethnic group leading Rwanda's government. Kabila last month ordered all Rwandan soldiers out of the country, setting the stage for the latest rebellion.
• Uncertainty Rises in Congo as Rwandan Troops Depart

Sources: Associated Press and staff research