Timeline of Rwanda

By S21400026
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    Timeline of Rwanda

  • Rwandan Independence

    Rwandan Independence
    Rwanda gained independence from Belgium.This came one year after the installation of a democratic government.

  • War Breaks Out

    War Breaks Out
    In October of 1990, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) invaded northern Rwanda. This invasion marked the beginning of the Rwandan Civil War.

  • Death of President Habyariman

    Death of President Habyariman
    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.

  • Rwandan Genocide Begins

    Rwandan Genocide Begins
    After the assassination of President Habyariman, Rwanda descended into chaos. Over the next 100 days, roughly 1 million Tutsi were massacred.

  • Victory in Kigali

    Victory in Kigali
    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.

  • Internet Connection

    Internet Connection
    In 1999, Rwanda established its first dial-up internet connection. It was very expensive due to its reliance on satellite links.

  • Rwanda's New Flag

    Rwanda's New Flag
    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.

  • First Multiparty Elections

    First Multiparty Elections
    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.

  • Plastic Bag Ban

    Plastic Bag Ban
    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.

  • Rufugee Relocation

    Rufugee Relocation
    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.

  • Catholic Church Apology

    Catholic Church Apology
    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.

  • Kagame's Reelection

    Kagame's Reelection
    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.