Rwandan Civil War: RPF Victory in 1994

The Rwandan Civil War (1990–1994) was fought between the Hutu-led Rwandan Government Forces (FAR) and the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

Outcome

The RPF won militarily. Key timeline:

• Oct 1990: RPF invades from Uganda.
• Aug 1993: Arusha Accords – power-sharing agreement.
• Apr 6, 1994: President Habyarimana's plane shot down → Genocide against Tutsi & moderate Hutu begins (100 days, ~800,000 killed).
• Apr–Jul 1994: RPF resumes offensive, captures territory.
• Jul 4, 1994: RPF takes Kigali.
• Jul 19, 1994: RPF declares ceasefire; forms Government of National Unity (Paul Kagame as VP/Defense Minister, Pasteur Bizimungu President).

Aftermath

• RPF (now RDF – Rwanda Defence Force) has ruled continuously (Kagame President since 2000).
• ~2 million Hutu fled to DRC (Great Lakes refugee crisis).
• Gacaca courts (community justice) tried genocide perpetrators.
• Remarkable recovery: GDP growth, healthcare, gender parity (61% women in parliament), but authoritarian governance, DRC involvement.