Timeline: Rwandan Genocide | Timetoast

Apr 6, 1994

President Juvénal Habyarimana's plane shot down

His plane falls near Kigali Airport, killing him and the Burundian president. This event triggers the start of the genocide.
Apr 7, 1994

Mass killings begin

Targeting Tutsis and some Hutus
Apr 8, 1994

RPF renews its offensive

The RPF renews its offensive to stop the killings and rescue the Tutsi.
Apr 21, 1994

UN reduces peacekeeping force

UN reduces peacekeeping force from 2,500 to 270 troops despite ongoing massacres.
Apr 30, 1994

Churches and schools become massacre sites

Churches and schools become massacre sites as people seek refuge. The international community largely avoids calling it "genocide."
May 17, 1994

UN tries to send 5,500 additional troops

UN agrees to send 5,500 additional troops, but deployment is delayed.
Jun 22, 1994

France launches Operation Turquoise

France launches Operation Turquoise, a UN-approved humanitarian mission. Critics say it creates a safe zone that also shelters genocidaires.
Jul 4, 1994

RPF captures Kigali

RPF captures Kigali, effectively ending the genocide.
Jul 18, 1994

RPF declares victory

RPF declares victory; a new government is formed with Pasteur Bizimungu as president and Paul Kagame as vice president.