1894 -Germany colonizes Rwanda. 1918 -The Belgians assume control of Rwanda. 1933 -The Belgians organize a census and mandate that everyone be 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 -Juvénal 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 Rwanda's 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 Télévison 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 1994- The Rwandan presiden, Juvenal Habyarimana is killed and Hutu extremists begin the killing of political enemies. Massacre in multiple churches takes place and thousands of Tutsis are murdered, the first real sign genocide was occurring. Following this around 62,000 were killed while trying to take shelter and more were killed in the hospital, 250,000 attempted to flee to neighboring countries including Tanzania. May 23, 1994- The RPF takes control of the presidential palace. July 5-mid July 1994- The French establish a safe zone in the southwest area of Rwanda and approximately one million people, mostly Hutu leave the area. And finally the Rwandan Genocide ends when the RPF gains control over the country. |