Rwandan Civil War

The Rwandan Civil War was a major conflict in Rwanda. It lasted from October 1, 1990, to July 18, 1994.

The fighting involved the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Rwandan Patriotic Front, known as the RPF. This war grew from long-standing disputes between the Hutu and Tutsi groups. These tensions were rooted in deep social and political divisions. Understanding this war requires looking at how these groups lived together over many centuries.

Long ago, the Twa people lived in Rwanda as hunter-gatherers.

Later, Bantu groups migrated into the region and began farming. Historians debate if the Hutu and Tutsi were different races or social classes. One theory suggests they were distinct groups from different places. Another theory says they were classes that integrated over time. By 1700, the population lived in clans and several kingdoms. The Tutsi Nyiginya clan eventually ruled the dominant Kingdom of Rwanda.

Colonial rule changed how these groups interacted. Germany first controlled Rwanda through an alliance with the King. Later, Belgium took control after World War I.

Belgian leaders favored the Tutsi for administrative roles. They believed the Tutsi were racially superior. In 1935, Belgium introduced identity cards to classify everyone. These cards labeled people as Tutsi, Hutu, Twa, or Naturalized. This system made it impossible for people to move between social groups.

A revolution changed the power structure in 1959. Hutu groups began riots and attacks on Tutsi homes. This event replaced the Tutsi monarchy with a Hutu-led republic.

Many Tutsis fled the country to find safety. By 1964, more than 336,000 Tutsis were living as refugees in neighboring countries. These exiles eventually formed the RPF in Uganda. They wanted to return to their homes in Rwanda.

The civil war began with an RPF invasion in 1990. The RPF moved into north-eastern Rwanda to advance. Their leader, Fred Rwigyema, was killed during the second day of fighting.

Paul Kagame then took command of the RPF. The Rwandan Army, helped by French troops, initially gained the upper hand. Kagame later moved his troops to the Virunga Mountains to regroup. The RPF then began an insurgency that lasted until 1992.

Leaders tried to find peace through the Arusha Accords. These were signed in August 1993 to end the fighting.

The United Nations sent a mission called UNAMIR to keep peace. However, extremist groups called Hutu Power opposed the deal. On April 6, 1994, President Juvénal Habyarimana was assassinated. This event triggered the Rwandan genocide. For about 100 days, between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed.

The RPF responded to the genocide by resuming the war. They captured territory and surrounded the capital, Kigali.

The RPF seized Kigali on July 4, 1994. By late July, they captured the last government territory. This forced the former government into Zaire. Paul Kagame became the de facto leader of the victorious RPF. He later served as president starting in the year 2000.

After the war, the RPF began rebuilding the nation. They worked on the economy and the country's infrastructure. They also brought perpetrators of the genocide to trial. The government promoted reconciliation between the Hutu and Tutsi. In 1996, the government launched an offensive into Zaire.

This action started the First Congo War. This conflict eventually removed the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko from power. Today, the RPF remains the main political force in Rwanda.