Country information

History

Rwanda is a small, densely populated, landlocked country in Central Africa, which became independent in 1962, after colonization by Germany (1899) and Belgium (1919). In 1961 its monarchical government was formally abolished by a referendum and the first parliamentary elections were held.

A political turmoil over the sharing of power, and repeated explosions of ethnic violence between the Tutsis (13 percent of the population) and the Hutus (85 percent of the population) have marked the history of the country. These conflicts triggered the displacement of tens of thousands of Tutsis to neighbouring countries in 1959, 1969, and 1972, the launch of a rebellion in the early 1990s by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and culminated in the 1994 genocide. Between April and June 1994, 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed and about 2 million people fled to neighbouring countries, mostly to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In July 1994, in lines of the Arusha Accords, a transitional government of National Unity was formed under the presidency of Pasteur Bizimungu. A National Assembly of the Transition was also established, comprising of representatives of all the political parties in the Government. Following the installation of the new government in 1994, about 800,000 exiles from previous conflicts returned to Rwanda.

Between 1997 and 2002, Rwanda was involved in the DRC conflict. Following an agreement with DRC in July 2002, Rwandese troops were withdrawn and relations between Rwanda and DRC normalized, a common action to neutralize the remnants of Rwandan rebel groups.

In Rwanda, massive returns have taken place in relatively orderly manner and most refugees have resettled. The country is at peace and secure and the establishment of a National Police Force has contributed to improving the human rights situation. A Commission for National Unity and Reconciliation has been set up, but time and effort will be needed in order to see the different result of reconciliation.

A new constitution was enacted in June 2003. The first multi party presidential and parliamentary elections since independence were held in August and September 2003, resulting in the election of President Kagame with 95 percent of the vote and his RPF-led coalition won 75 percent of parliamentary seats.