Genocide of Rwanada

Belgians organize census, everyone required identity card

Jan 1, 1933

[Link](goo.gl/BJEYU)The Belgians organize a census so that everyone is required to carry an identity card identifying them as Tutsi, Hutu, or Twa. The Belgians were influenced by the popular theory of social Darwinism, which recognized the more developed Tutsi as a superior and more European-like ethnic group. Soon after Ethnic ID cards were passed out, which shows a rigid racial concept of group identity that had not previously existed in Rwandan Society.

Hutu rebellion begins

Nov 1, 1959

[Link](goo.gl/zByMD)A Hutu rebellion begins against the Tutsis and Belgians. In 1959, a direct consequence from the problems caused by the Bahutu Manifesto, Hutu political leaders overthrew the Tutsi monarchy with the help of the Belgian authorities. During the rebellion, around 10,000 Tutsi people were killed, and about 130,000 others fled to neighboring countries. This ignited ethnic tensions, and made it a ready way into the genocide.

Rwanda Gains its independence

Jul 1, 1962

[Link](goo.gl/f1dJ1)The Rwandese Republic is recognized by the UN internationally. This grants the new African nation complete independence. Rwanda soon becomes a Hutu-dominated country and political instability arises under the Hutu president Gregoire Kayibanda who had led the Hutu “emancipation” movement and was involved in the Bahtu Manifesto. He also helped to militarize the Hutu people.

Juvénal Habyarimana takes control of Rwanda

Jan 1, 1973

[Link](goo.gl/Rmru)Juvénal Habyarimana a Hutu takes control of Rwanda in a bloodless coup.
On July 5, 1973, a military coup toppled Kayibanda without violence and installed Major General Juvénal Habyarimana, who was commander of the National Guard. Habyarimana's rise to power signaled a new period of prosperity and relative peace for Rwanda, but Tutsi's remain as one of the nation's vast problems.

Plane Shot Down carrying Rwandan President

Apr 6, 1994

[Link](goo.gl/7ntyg) On April 6, 1994 a plane carrying the Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana (Hutu president of Burundi) was shot down and the Tutsis were blamed. Gangs of soldiers and youths kidnapped opposition politicians, and killed members of the Tutsi tribe. Hutu extremists took over the government and murdered Hutu politicians, and Tutsi people. The government publicized the genocide, forcing civilians to murder Tutsis. It is the signal for the Genocide to begin.

Beginning of genocide in rwanda

Apr 7, 1994

[Link](goo.gl/UUyJn)Within 100 days around 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus are killed; Hutu militias and 2 million refugees flee to Zaire. The Rwandan armed forces (FAR) and the interahamwe set up roadblocks and go from house to house killing Tutsis and moderate Hutu politicians. UN forces stand by while the slaughter goes on, forbidden to intervene by their “monitoring” mandate but some U.N. camps shelter civilians.

Massacre at Gikondo

Apr 9, 1994

[Video](goo.gl/JJ1Mq)[Link](goo.gl/GTKu8)Hundreds of Tutsis are killed in the Pallottine Missionary Catholic Church. The murderers target Tutsi showing the first signs that genocide was occurring. French and Belgian expatriates are evacuated from Rwanda by UN paratroopers. Those who come into the country without citizenship witness the massacre of children at a church in Gikondo. The troops did not stay to assist UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda).

Massacre at the Nyarubuye Roman Catholic Church

Apr 16, 1994

[Video](goo.gl/ld8P2)[LINK](goo.gl/CFKvR)An estimated 20,000 civilians were killed east of the Rwandan capital Kigali. The victims were Tutsis and Hutu moderates who had sought refuge in the church. Men, women and children were reported to have been killed with spears, machetes, clubs, hand grenades and automatic weapons. Pastor Ntakirutimana asked the leader of the Seventh Adventist Church of Western Rwanda for assistance and protection from the Interahamwe.

The Kibuye Massacres

Apr 18, 1994

[Link](goo.gl/8pLGm)An estimated 12,000 Tutsis are killed after sheltering at the Gatwaro stadium in Gitesi. Another 50,000 are killed in the hills of Bisesero. More are killed in the town's hospital and church. Approximately 250,000 people (mostly Tutsi) go to Tanzania for refuge. About 12,000 Tutsis are massacred at the Gatwaro stadium in Gitesi. Around 50,000 more were killed in the hills of Bisesero.

UN sends 6,800 troops

May 17, 1994

[Link](goo.gl/1Llvh)The UN sends 6,800 troops to Rwanda to defend the civilians of Rwanda. The United States (as seen in the movie) forbids the speaker to use the word “genocide” to make it seem not as important or so that the Rwandans do not lose hope. African UN forces were delayed as the United States argues with the UN over the cost but they decide on sending of 5,500 troops.

Rwanda Genocide ends

Jul 17, 1994

[Link](goo.gl/xO4gb)The Rwanda Genocide ends when the RPF gains control of the country. Pasteur Bizimungu, a Hutu RPF leader, is declared President of Rwanda. The following day the RPF announces that the war is over. Though the old political leaders continue to say they will keep fighting, other nations say they will protect the Bizimungu administration.