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President is assassinated.
On the 6th of April 1994, Hutu president Juvénal Habyarimana's plane is shot down. Burundi's president, Cyprien Ntaryamira, was also on board. It is suspected that theTutsi lead rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), is responisble for the assassination. -
The genocide begins.
The Rwandan armed forces and a Hutu militia known as the Interahamwe begin killing Tutsis and sympathisers. -
Counter-offensive.
The RPF attempts to rescue its troops and stop the massacre. -
Rescues.
French, Belgian and American civilians are rescued by their governments. -
Thousands dead.
The International Red Cross (IRC) estimates that tens of thousands have been slaughtered. -
Belgium withdraws.
Belgium withdraws its troops from the UN peacekeeping force after the murder of ten Belgian soldiers. -
Nyarubuye massacre
It is estimated that 20,000 people, Tutsis and Hutu sympathisers, were killed. -
Withdrawal of troops.
The UN removes 90% of its troops, leaving only 270. It is estimated that 100,000 Rwandans are now dead. -
Citizens flee.
About 250,000 civilians, mostly Tutsis, escape to neighbouring countries. -
"Not genocide."
The UN Security Council concludes to resolve the conflict but refuses to use the word "genocide". -
Death toll rises.
It is estimated that over 500,000 are now dead. -
"Okay, it's genocide."
The UN finally admits that "an act of genocide might have been commited" and promises to send 5,500 troops to Rwanda but the deployment is delayed when they can't agree on who will pay for it. -
The RPF fights back.
The RPF takes control of some parts of Rwanda. -
Safe area.
2,500 French troops arrive in Rwanda when the previous troops still haven't arrived. They create a safe zone but Tutsis are still being killed inside this area. -
Kigali.
The RPF gains control of the Rwandan capital, Kigali. -
Refugees.
Every hour 10,000 Rwandans cross the border into the Congo but there aren't enough supplies for everyone. -
The genocide is over.
The Hutu government leaves the country as the RDF takes over and announces that the genocide is over. They declare a cease-fire and name Pastor Bizimungu as president with Faustin Twagiramungu as prime minister.
