1997 Albanian civil unrest

In 1997, Albania experienced widespread civil unrest due to economic problems caused by the collapse of pyramid schemes. The large sums of money siphoned from the government to fund these schemes led to the collapse of the Democratic Party's government in January 1997. The conflict, which lasted until August 1997, resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 people and the establishment of a new government as revolutionaries surrounded Tirana. Various sources also describe the ensuing violence as a rebellion or even a civil war.

By January 1997, Albanian citizens, who had lost a total of $1.2 billion, took their protest to the streets. Beginning in February, thousands of people launched daily protests demanding reimbursement from the government, which they believed had profited from the schemes. On 1 March, Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi resigned, and on 2 March, President Sali Berisha declared a state of emergency.

On 11 March, the Socialist Party of Albania achieved a major victory when its leader, Bashkim Fino, was appointed prime minister. However, the transfer of power did not halt the unrest, and protests spread to northern Albania. Although the government quelled revolts in the north, its ability to maintain order began to collapse, especially in the southern half of the country, which fell under the control of rebels and criminal gangs.

By 13 March, all major population centers were engulfed in demonstrations, and foreign countries began evacuating their citizens. These evacuations included Operation Libelle, Operation Silver Wake, and Operation Cosmas, conducted by the German, American, and Greek military forces, respectively. The United Nations Security Council authorized a force of 7,000 troops under Resolution 1101 to direct relief efforts and restore order in Albania. The UN feared that the unrest could spread beyond Albania's borders and send refugees throughout Europe. Consequently, the US and NATO provided assistance by managing refugee camps, airlifting displaced populations across Europe, and securing the borders. On 15 April, a multinational peacekeeping force launched Operation Alba, which helped restore the rule of law in the country by late July.

After the rebellion ended, some of the weapons looted from Albanian army barracks and stockpiles were acquired by the Kosovo Liberation Army, with many making their way into the ensuing Kosovo War (1998–1999).