Target Groups in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide

The primary targets of the genocide against the Tutsi (April–July 1994) were:

1. Tutsi Civilians (Ethnic Target)

Systematic extermination of the Tutsi minority (~14% of population). Identified by ID cards, appearance, neighbors. Men, women, children, infants—no exemption. ~800,000–1,000,000 killed (70–80% of Tutsi).

2. Moderate Hutu (Political Target)

Hutu who opposed the extremist Hutu Power ideology: Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, judges, journalists, human rights activists, politicians (PSD, PL, MDR opposition), clergy protecting Tutsi, ordinary citizens hiding Tutsi. Labeled ibyitso (accomplices/traitors).

3. Twa (Pygmy) Minority

Small forest-dwelling group (~1%): disproportionately killed, marginalized, ignored in aftermath.

Perpetrators

Interahamwe/Impuzamugambi militias, Presidential Guard, Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), police, local officials, ordinary Hutu civilians incited by hate media (RTLM, Kangura). Orchestrated by Akazu (Habyarimana's inner circle).