Rwandan Genocide Death Toll: 800,000–1,000,000 (1994)

Estimated Fatalities

During the 100-day genocide (April–July 1994), 800,000 to 1,000,000 people were killed—primarily Tutsi, plus moderate Hutu and Twa.

Sources of Estimates

• Rwandan Government (2004): 1,074,017 (based on survivor testimony, mass grave exhumation).
• UN / NGOs: 800,000 commonly cited.
• Demographic Studies: ~75% of Tutsi population eliminated.

Challenges

No precise census; bodies disposed in rivers, latrines, mass graves; many perpetrators fled. Gacaca courts (2002–2012) documented ~1.9M cases but focused on perpetrators, not victim count.

Figures remain approximate; research continues.