Rwandan Civil War facts for kids

The Rwandan Civil War was a serious conflict that took place in Rwanda between 1990 and 1994. It was mainly fought between the government of Rwanda, led by President Juvénal Habyarimana, and a rebel group called the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). The RPF was made up mostly of Tutsi refugees who had fled Rwanda in earlier years and wanted to return to their home country. The war was a big part of the history of Rwanda and led to many changes in the country.

What Was the Rwandan Civil War?

The Rwandan Civil War was a fight for power and control over Rwanda. It involved the Rwandan government army and the RPF. The RPF wanted to end the rule of President Habyarimana and allow Tutsi refugees to come back to Rwanda safely. The war lasted for about four years, with periods of fighting and attempts at peace.

Who Was Involved in the War?

The main groups fighting were:

• The Rwandan Government Army: This was the official army of Rwanda, mostly made up of people from the Hutu ethnic group. They supported President Juvénal Habyarimana.
• The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF): This was a rebel group formed by Tutsi refugees who had been living in Uganda. They wanted to return to Rwanda and have a say in the government. Their leader was Paul Kagame.

Other countries, like France and Uganda, also played a role, supporting different sides or trying to help with peace.

Why Did the War Start?

The war started because of long-standing problems in Rwanda.

• Refugee Crisis: Many Tutsi people had left Rwanda in the 1950s and 1960s because of violence. They became refugees in neighboring countries like Uganda. The RPF was formed by these refugees who wanted to go home.
• Political Power: The Hutu-led government had been in power for a long time. The RPF believed the government was unfair and did not represent all Rwandans.
• Ethnic Tensions: There were tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi groups, which had been made worse by politicians over many years.

Key Events of the War

The war began on October 1, 1990, when the RPF invaded Rwanda from Uganda.

• Early Fighting (1990-1991): The RPF made quick progress at first but was pushed back by the Rwandan army, which received help from France.
• Peace Talks Begin (1992): Both sides started talking about peace in the city of Arusha, Tanzania. These talks aimed to share power and allow refugees to return.
• RPF Offensive (1993): In February 1993, the RPF launched another big attack. They gained control of a large part of northern Rwanda. This showed the Rwandan government that the RPF was a strong force.
• Arusha Accords (1993): After many months of talks, a peace agreement called the Arusha Accords was signed in August 1993. This agreement planned for a new government that included both sides and for the RPF soldiers to join the national army.

The End of the War

The peace agreement was supposed to end the war, but it did not last.

• President's Plane Crash (1994): On April 6, 1994, President Habyarimana's plane was shot down, killing him. This event caused a huge amount of chaos and led to the start of the Rwandan genocide.
• Genocide and RPF Victory: During the genocide, the RPF restarted its military campaign. They fought against the Rwandan government forces and the groups carrying out the genocide. The RPF quickly took control of the country.
• War Ends (July 1994): The Rwandan Civil War officially ended in July 1994 when the RPF captured the capital city, Kigali, and took control of the entire country. This ended the fighting and brought a new government to power in Rwanda.

After the War

After the war, the RPF formed a new government. Paul Kagame became a very important leader in Rwanda. The country began the long process of rebuilding and healing after the terrible events of the war and the genocide. Many people who had fled during the war were able to return home.

Images for kids

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  A reconstruction of the King of Rwanda's palace at Nyanza

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  Hutu army officer Juvénal Habyarimana (pictured) became President of Rwanda after a 1973 coup.

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  Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni with Ronald Reagan at the White House in October 1987

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  The Virunga Mountains, the RPF base from 1990 to 1991

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  The town of Ruhengeri, with the Virunga Mountains in the background

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  The partition of Rwanda following the RPF offensive in February 1993. For the first time, the Rwandan Government acknowledged that it had lost part of the country.

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  The Arusha International Conference Centre, venue for peace talks to end the war

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  French soldiers in Kigali, August 1994

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  Vice president and de facto Rwandan leader Paul Kagame with United States Secretary of Defense William Perry in July 1994

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  Refugee camp in Zaire, 1994

See also

In Spanish: Guerra civil ruandesa para niños