A Timeline of the Genocide in Rwanda

A Timeline of the Genocide in Rwanda The 1994 Rwandan Genocide was a brutal, bloody slaughter that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 Tutsi (and Hutu sympathizers). Much of the hatred between the Tutsi and Hutu stemmed from the ways they were treated under Belgian rule. Follow the increasing stresses within the country of Rwanda, beginning with its  European colonization to independence to genocide. While the genocide itself lasted 100 days, with brutal murders happening throughout, this timeline includes some of the larger mass murders that took place during that time period. Rwanda Genocide Timeline 1894:  Germany colonizes Rwanda. 1918: The Belgians assume control of Rwanda. 1933: The Belgians organize a census and mandate that everyone is issued an identity card classifying them as either Tutsi, Hutu, or Twa. December 9, 1948: The United Nations passes a resolution which both defines genocide and declares it a crime under international law. 1959: A Hutu rebellion begins against the Tutsis and Belgians. January 1961: The Tutsi monarchy is abolished. July 1, 1962: Rwanda gains its independence. 1973: Juvà ©nal Habyarimana takes control of Rwanda in a bloodless coup. 1988: The RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) is created in Uganda. 1989: World coffee prices plummet. This significantly affects Rwandas economy because coffee was one of its major cash crops. 1990: The RPF invade Rwanda, starting a civil war. 1991: A new constitution allows for multiple political parties. July 8, 1993: RTLM (Radio Tà ©là ©vison des Milles Collines) begins broadcasting and spreading hate. August 3, 1993: The Arusha Accords are agreed upon, opening government positions to both Hutu and Tutsi. April 6, 1994: Rwandan President Juvà ©nal Habyarimana is killed when his plane is shot out of the sky. This is the official beginning of the Rwandan Genocide. April 7, 1994: Hutu extremists begin killing their political opponents, including the prime minister. April 9, 1994: Massacre at Gikondo - hundreds of Tutsis are killed in the Pallottine Missionary Catholic Church. Since the killers were clearly targeting only Tutsi, the Gikondo massacre was the first clear sign that a genocide was occurring. April 15-16, 1994: Massacre at the Nyarubuye Roman Catholic Church - thousands of Tutsi are killed, first by grenades and guns and then by machetes and clubs. April 18, 1994: The Kibuye Massacres. 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 towns hospital and church. April 28-29: Approximately 250,000 people, mostly Tutsi, flee to neighboring Tanzania. May 23, 1994: The RPF takes control of the presidential palace. July 5, 1994: The French establish a safe zone in the southwest corner of Rwanda. July 13, 1994: Approximately one million people, mostly Hutu, begin fleeing to Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo). mid-July 1994: The Rwanda Genocide ends when the RPF gains control of the country. The Rwandan Genocide ended 100 days after it began, but the aftermath of such hatred and bloodshed will take decades, if not centuries, from which to recover.