Key Events of the Rwandan Genocide

The Rwandan Genocide, which occurred in 1994, was a tragic chapter in the history of Rwanda. Several key events shaped this dark period that resulted in the loss of over 800,000 lives.

Assassination of the President

The genocide was triggered by the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, whose plane was shot down in April 1994. This event marked the beginning of the mass killings that targeted the Tutsi population and moderate Hutus.

Mass Killings

Following the assassination, Hutu extremists orchestrated the systematic killing of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The violence was carried out with machetes, guns, and other weapons, resulting in widespread bloodshed and devastation.

International Response

The international community failed to intervene promptly to stop the genocide, despite evidence of ongoing atrocities. The United Nations' peacekeeping mission in Rwanda was unable to prevent the violence, leading to widespread criticism of the international response.

Escalation of Violence

The violence escalated rapidly, with roadblocks set up across the country to hunt down and kill Tutsis. The brutal killings continued for approximately 100 days, leaving a trail of destruction and trauma in Rwanda.

Lasting Impact

The Rwandan Genocide has had a lasting impact on the country, with many genocide survivors still grappling with the trauma and loss. The genocide memorial sites serve as reminders of the atrocities committed and the need to prevent such horrors from happening again. The war crimes and human rights abuses committed during the genocide continue to be a painful legacy for Rwanda and the international community to address.