The former Belgian colony that gained independence in 1960 and became the site of a proxy war during the Cold War is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire). Its independence was followed by political instability and conflict, including the Congo Crisis, which involved various international powers and became a key battleground in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The conflict involved struggles for resources and influence, making it a significant example of a proxy war.