Zaire wider campaign of , ridding the country of the influences from the colonial era of the Belgian Congo, was also launched under Mobutu's direction. Weakened by the end of American support after the end of the Cold War, Mobutu was forced to declare a new republic in 1990 to cope with demands for change. By the time of its downfall, Mobutu's rule was characterised by widespread cronyism, corruption and economic mismanagement. Zaire collapsed in the 1990s, amid the destabilization of the eastern parts of the state in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and growing ethnic violence. In 1996, ,
2/27th Battalion (Australia) up supplies and evacuate the wounded as the Australians advanced towards the Kumusi River, after the Japanese were pushed back from Kokoda. Also in October, the battalion provided a company to Jawforce, carrying out patrols between Jawarere and Nigabaifa, while a platoon was dispatched to Eilogo to form Eilogo Force. Both of these elements returned to the main body of the 2/27th in mid-November, although Chaforce remained detached at that time. In late November, the 2/27th was recommitted to the fighting as the Japanese withdrew towards their beachheads in the north. Even though it remained at only half strength, the