Timeline

Timeline

1991

10 June 1991

The Rwandan Constitution is amended and multiparty system is launched.  

1991

27 January 1991

In response to the RPF offensive in Ruhengeri, a wave of massacres of the Bagogwe takes place.   

1991

22-23 January 1991

RPF launches an attack on Ruhengeri and frees prisoners.  During Operation Noroit, French military forces intervene directly in combat.

1990

December 1990

Hutu extremist monthly, Kangura, publishes the “Hutu Ten commandments”, which includes “Hutu must stop taking pity on the Tutsi”.  

1990

Night of 4 to 5 October 1990

The Rwandan armed forces (FAR) stage a fake RPF attack on Kigali.  On national radio, President Habyarimana decrees a state of siege and calls for vigilance and denunciation of spies. Some 10,000 Tutsi and political opponents are arrested. Tutsi massacre takes place in Kibilira, over 500 killed.

1990

1 October 1990

RPF begins war for liberation.

1987

24-26 December 1987

The Rwandan Patriotic Front is formed in Kampala.  

1973

July 1973

Tutsi hunted down at secondary schools, universities, and workplaces.  Military coup d’état by General Juvenal Habyarimana.

1963

December 1963

Massacre of Tutsi, described as Genocide by international press, foreign witnesses and independent researchers. 200,000 Tutsi flee their country.  

1962

1 July 1962

Independence of Rwanda.