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Rwanda gained independence from Belgium.This came one year after the installation of a democratic government.
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In October of 1990, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) invaded northern Rwanda. This invasion marked the beginning of the Rwandan Civil War.
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A plane carrying both the president of Rwanda and the president of Burundi was shot down. Their deaths marked the beginning of the Rwandan genocide.
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After the assassination of President Habyariman, Rwanda descended into chaos. Over the next 100 days, roughly 1 million Tutsi were massacred.
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Led by Paul Kagame, the RPF took over the Rwandan capital in retaliation to the slaughter of the Tutsi, ending the civil war. The RPF's triumph over Hutu forces marked the end of the Rwandan genocide, with those responsible fleeing the country.
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In 1999, Rwanda established its first dial-up internet connection. It was very expensive due to its reliance on satellite links.
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In 2002, Rwanda adopted a new flag and anthem. The intent behind the change was to help reinvent Rwanda as a new nation following the genocide.
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Following the 9 year period of transitional rule after the genocide, Rwanda held its first multiparty election. Not surprisingly, Paul Kagame won the election by a large margin.
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In 2008, Rwanda adopted its strict, zero tolerance ban on plastic bags. Those that are caught with contraband can be punished with hefty fines or jail time.
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In February of 2016, Rwanda announced that it would relocate the estimated 75 thousand Burundian refugees inside the country. Relations between the two countries have been strained recently.
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In March of this year, Pope Francis asked for God's forgiveness for the Catholic Church's involvement in the Rwandan genocide. This came one year after the church publicly acknowledged that some of its members had roles in planning and carrying out the genocide.
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In August of this year, Paul Kagame was reelected with a reported majority vote of 99%, raising concerns regarding political repression. However, Kagame's presidency is generally regarded as the key to stability in Rwanda.
