The Rwandan Genocide: Causes, Events, and Aftermath

Historical Context

Belgian colonization institutionalized Hutu/Tutsi divisions. Post-independence tensions escalated.

Trigger

April 1994: Assassination of President Habyarimana (Hutu) sparked state-organized genocide.

Execution

• Government, military, Interahamwe militias systematically killed Tutsi and moderate Hutu.
• Radio RTLM broadcast hate propaganda.
• ~800,000 killed in ~100 days.

International Failure

UN and world powers failed to intervene effectively.

End & Justice

• Rwandan Patriotic Front (Paul Kagame) took control July 1994.
• ICTR (UN tribunal) prosecuted leaders.
• Gacaca community courts addressed local cases.

Reconciliation

Government promotes unity, but trauma and challenges persist.