The Republic of the Congo became independent from France in 1960, but the subsequent years saw political instability including coups and a presidential assassination in 1977. A democratically-elected government took office in 1992, but the democratic progress was derailed in 1997 and ushered in a civil war. A ceasefire was signed between the government and the rebels in 1999, but remnants of the civil war militias are still active in the southern region and most of them have yet to disarm. The Republic of the Congo is one of sub-Saharan Africa's main oil producers, and oil is the dominant sector of its economy. However, a decade of conflict had devastating effects on Congo’s economy and on the welfare of its population. With the peace settlement reached in late 1999 and gradual reestablishment of political stability and democratic institutions, security has improved and economic activity has resumed.