Rwanda Genocide

Theory of the "Superior Race"

1863

Explorer John Hanning publishes a book called "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile." In one of the chapters on Wahuma (Rwanda), Speke shows "theory of conquest of inferior by superior races," the first of many races to describe the cattle-pastoralist Tutsi as a "superior race" to their partners the Hutu.

World War 1

1918

After World War 1, Belgium takes control of Rwanda because of a League Of Nations mandate, continuing to rule through the Tutsi monarchy, reinforcing their dominance over the Hutu people.

UN Prevention of Genocide

Dec 9, 1948

The UN passes a law that makes genocide a crime after the Holocaust.

Hutu rebellion

1959

A Hutu Rebellion starts against Tutsis and Belgians, leading to the removal of King Kigeli V. forcing as many as 330,000 Tutsis to flee the country, making them an even smaller minority.

Tutsi Monarchy Abolished

1961

The Tutsi monarchy is abolished by the Hutus who declared Rwanda a republic (political power rests with the public and their representatives)

Impact of the Colonial Period

1993

In Rwanda's colonial era, the Belgians displayed a clear preference for the minority Tutsis, granting them numerous privileges over the Hutu majority. Additionally, they deepened the divisions by mandating the use of ethnicity-based identity cards for all Rwandans based on their fathers ethnicity.

Broadcasting Hate

Jul 8, 1993

Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), a Rwandan radio station, starts broadcast hate. They played a significant role in inciting the Rwandan genocide

The Beginning Of The Rwanda Genocide

Apr 6, 1994

The Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana is shot down from a plane, this is the official start of the genocide.

The Killings Of Political Opponents

Apr 7, 1994

Hutu extremists begin killing their political opponents.

The Clear Start

Jul 9, 1994

Hundreds of Tutsis are killed in the Pallottine Missionary Catholic Church. The killers were only targeting the tutsi making it clear it was the start of a genocide.

Massacre at the Nyarubuye Roman Catholic Church

Jul 16, 1994

Thousands of Tutsi are killed again.

The Kibuye Massacres

Jul 18, 1994

An estimated 12,000 Tutsis are killed after hiding at the Gatwaro stadium. Another 50,000 are killed in Bisesero.

The Getaway

Jul 28, 1994

Approximately 250,000 people, mostly Tutsi, flee to Tanzania to try to get away from the genocide.

End To The 100 Days Of Slaughter

Jul 30, 1994

The Rwanda Genocide ends when the RPF gains control of the country. The government pledges to implement the Arusha Accords and to build a multiparty democracy.