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Rwanda gains independence
Rwanda gains independence from Belgium and wide-scale killing of Tutsis and massive outflow of refugees, most to Uganda. -
Period: to
Genocide in Rwanda
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Rwandan President Habyarimana and the Burundian President are killed
The Rwandan President Habyarimana and the Burundian Presiden were killed when Habyarimana's plane was shot down near the kigali airport. Hutu extremists were suspecting that the Rwandan President was about to implament the Arusha Peace Accords. The killings started right after the deaths of the Presidents. -
Hutu extremest begin killing their political opponets
Video The Rwandan armed forces (FAR) and the interahamwe set up roadblocks and go house to house killing Tutsis and moderate Hutu politicians. UN forces stand by while the slaughter goes on, forbidden to intervene. -
On april 9-10, France and Belgium send troops to rescue their citizens
France and Belgium send troops to rescue their citizens and American civilians are also airlifted out. No Rwandans are rescued, not even Rwandans employed by Western governments in their embassies, consulates, etc. -
The U.N. takes out troops of Rwanda
The UN cuts the number of its forces from 2,500 to 250 following the murder of 10 Belgian soldiers guarding the moderate Hutu prime minister, Agathe Uwiliyingimana. -
U.N. votes to restore troops in Rwanda
The U.N. Security Council prepares to vote on restoring UNAMIR’s strength in Rwanda. However, Madeline Albright delays the vote for four days. -
U.N. sends the troops into Rwanda
Video The UN finally agrees to send 6,800 troops into Rwanda to defend the civilians. The United States forbids its spokespersons to use the word “genocide.” Deployment of the mainly African UN forces is delayed as the United States argues with the UN over the cost of providing the heavily armored vehicles it promised. -
The U.N. request U.S. assistance
The U.N. requests the U.S. provide 50 armored personnel carriers (APCs). However, there are arguments between the U.S. and the U.N. over the costs. -
The genocide in Rwanda ends
Although disease and more killings claim additional lives in the refugee camps, the genocide is over. An estimate 800,000 Rwandans have been killed in 100 days. -
Kigali captured and Hutu government flees
The Tutsi RPF forces capture Kigali. The Hutu government flees to Zaire, followed by a tide of refugees. The French end their mission and are replaced by Ethiopian U.N. troops. The RPF sets up an interim government of national unity in Kigali.
