Jordan's Rwanda Timeline

  • Apr 1, 1090

    Migration

    Between the 5th and 11th century, the Hutus began to migrate to an area that would later be known as Rwanda and Burundi. The Tutsis also started to migrate to this area.
  • Borders

    The borders of the Rwanda-Burundi area were established by King Mwami Kigeri IV. These borders would remain in place until 1894, when the Germans arrived.
  • Exploration

    There was lots of exploration in Africa during this time period. Several explorers went around the Rwanda and Burundi area, but none chose to actually go inside the area.
  • Berlin Conference

    The Berlin Conference of 1885 decided that he area of Rwanda and Burundi would come under German rule. Count von Gotzen wasthe first one to explore the area.
  • Germans Arrive

    The Germans used the indirect style of ruling to rule over Rwanda and Burundi. The germans also attacked Hutus in the northern part of the area.
  • Belgian Rule

    After World War I, the League of Nations decided that Rwanda and Burundi would come under Belgian rule. This was done because of German debt.
  • Exportation

    In the 20's and 30's forced labor and taxes became very prominant. Rwanda and Burundi began exporting coffee and other agricultural products.
  • Independance

    On June 27, 1962, Rwanda became an indepandant country. The President became Gregoire Kayibanda, leader of PARMEHUTU.
  • Civil War

    The Rwandan Civil War began in 1990 when around 10,000 rebe Tutsis invaded Rwanda from Uganda. A ceasefire was agreed upon on March 29, 1991
  • Rwanda Genocide

    The killing of the Rwandan and Burunding Presidents sparked the Rwandan Genocide. It is estimated that over one million people were killed.