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Independence is Gained
Rwanda-Urundi, which would later split into Rwanda and Burundi, gains its independence from Belgium. -
Period: to
Intercine Hutu-Tutsi Conflict
The Hutus and Tutsis repeatedly take and retake the Rwandan government from each other, carving a deep line of hatred between the two ethnic gorups and thickening the tension. -
Juvénal Habyarimana Becomes President
Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, becomes president of Rwanda by overthrowing the previous leader. -
RPF Created
The RPF, the Rwandan Patriotic Front, is created in Uganda. -
RPF Invasion
RPF, the Rwandan Patriotic Front, invades Rwanda.t -
Arusha Accords
The Arusha Accords peace agreement between the RPF and the Rwandan government was signed in Tanzania and the U.N. was put in place to oversee the accord. -
Melchior Ndadaye Dies
The assasination of Melchior Ndadaye, the first Hutu president of Burundi, worsens the ethnic tension between the Tutsis and Hutus. -
Genocide Begins
The Rwandan Genocide, which would ultimately kill about one million Hutus, begins. The "Interhamwe", a civilian force of Tutsis, start to kill as many Hutus as possible with handheld weapons like machetes and clubs. -
Genocide Ends
The Rwandan Genocide finally comes to end when the RPF takes control of the government. Over a million Hutus are left dead. The survivors begin to rebuild, but slowly. The U.N. finally sends troops to help Rwanda recover. -
UN Troops Leave Rwanda
The last of UN peacekeeping troops leave Rwanda.
