Rwandan Genocide

Rwandan Genocide

On April 7, 1994, following the assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, widespread violence erupted against the Tutsi population in Rwanda. The genocide was orchestrated by government authorities, military units, and extremist militias, with planning and coordination at national and local levels.

Over approximately 100 days, Tutsi civilians and moderate Hutus were targeted in mass killings, often by machetes, firearms, and other weapons. Systematic attacks included massacres in homes, schools, churches, and public spaces. Civilians were also coerced into participating in violence, while many were forced to flee their homes.

Estimates indicate that between 800,000 and 1,000,000 people were killed, representing roughly 70% of the Tutsi population. The events displaced millions internally and across borders into neighboring countries. The genocide concluded with the advance of the Rwandan Patriotic Front in July 1994, which ended large-scale killings and established a new government.