The AssassInation of Habyarimana

Dr. William A. Twayigize

DR. WILLIAM

THE ASSASSINATION OF TWO HUTU PRESIDENTS

“In the realm where the insatiable greed for power reigns supreme, the very essence of humanity’s conscience succumbs to darkness, leaving behind a void where light cannot penetrate. It is within this void that the Devil, himself, seizes control.”

Assassination Attempts

The conflicts that unfolded in Rwanda, commencing on October 1, 1990, and tragically claiming millions of lives both within Rwanda and extending into Congo, marked a chapter of history that defies facile categorization as a simplistic Hutu-Tutsi dispute. Instead, they are inextricably woven into a complex tapestry of historical, geopolitical, and socio-cultural factors. Central to comprehending this intricate narrative is the recognition of the profound impact of Western imperialism, where external powers adeptly manipulated and co-opted indigenous African actors to further their own strategic interests. This same dynamic fundamentally underpins the Rwandan Tutsi-Hutu conflicts of the 1990s, underscoring the multifaceted nature of this turmoil, and these complexities challenge any superficial understanding of the conflicts and emphasize the need to delve deeper into their historical roots and the broader forces at play (Kuperman, 2004: 63).

It is essential to recognize that the ability of the Tutsis to mount a successful campaign against the Hutus during this period was significantly reliant on external support, as they lacked the necessary resources and strength to do so independently. Previous endeavors by Tutsi factions to overthrow the Hutu-led government had encountered substantial failures, exemplified by events like the failed attacks in December 1963, when Tutsi refugees in exile launched significant offensives on Rwanda from neighboring Burundi, led by figures such as François Rubeka. These efforts, aimed at toppling the Hutu government, were driven by the Tutsis’ refusal to accept Hutu rule, driven by their view of Hutus as an inferior group(Chrétien, 2003: 269).

In this captured moment, President Juvenal Habyarimana is accompanied by First Lady Agathe Kanziga, who currently resides in France. Reflecting back to 1998, a judicial inquiry was initiated in France following a grievance filed by the families of the aircraft’s crew. Led by French judge Jean-Louis Bruguière, the investigation arrived at the conclusion that the assault had been orchestrated by the RPF and commanded by Kagame.

In this candid glimpse, President Habyarimana engages with the public, extending warm greetings to primary school children during the 1980s. His leadership was characterized by a people-centric approach, demonstrated through his attentiveness to the populace and his concerted efforts to connect with them at the grassroots level.

Tutsis in exile persisted in their efforts to challenge the fledgling Rwandan republic, conducting a series of attacks that further strained ethnic tensions. Among these attacks were the notable offensives in February and March of 1962, when Tutsi rebels based in Uganda targeted the Byumba region, resulting in significant casualties among the Hutu population. The situation escalated in July 1963 when Tutsi rebels launched additional attacks on Rwanda. A pivotal moment came on November 25, 1963, when approximately 1,500 Rwandan refugees in neighboring Burundi launched a full-scale assault on Rwanda with the aim of restoring the Tutsi monarchy to power. Subsequently, between December 21 and 27, 1963, about 200 to 300 Rwandan refugees in Burundi, primarily armed with bows and arrows, carried out attacks on Rwanda and made multiple incursions into the nation, particularly into the Cyangugu region. These actions were part of a broader strategy to dislodge the Hutu-led government from its position of power. However, these concerted efforts ultimately fell short of their objectives, resulting in the repulsion of the majority of Tutsi rebels and inflicting significant casualties on both sides (Kuperman, 2004: 62; Munyarugerero, 2003: 93). These historical events underscore the resource limitations faced by the Tutsis in their quest to regain power in Rwanda, making it evident that their success, including the launch of the April 1990 attacks that ultimately propelled them to power in Kigali, would have been unattainable without the political, military, and financial support of external powers like the USA and the UK (Behuria, 2015; Rever, 2020; Armstrong, Davenport & Stam, 2020; Loyle & Davenport, 2020).

Amidst the turbulent backdrop of 1980s Rwanda, President Habyarimana found himself embroiled in a complex and precarious political landscape, one that ultimately set the stage for his tragic assassination. Chief among the challenges he confronted were the unrelenting pressures exerted by global superpowers, notably the United States and its allies, who pursued access to the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at virtually any cost. Recognizing Rwanda’s strategic significance in the context of the DRC’s wealth of minerals, these powers sought to position the country as a pivotal military base for exerting influence in the DRC, exploiting its abundant resources, and extending their dominance. Habyarimana’s resolute resistance against these formidable Western pressures not only escalated regional tensions but also contributed significantly to the circumstances that ultimately led to his assassination. This was especially pronounced as the geopolitical landscape was undergoing a transformation, marked by the end of the Cold War, which bolstered the political and socioeconomic hegemony of the USA and its allies, while concurrently diminishing France’s influence in Africa, a nation that had been a staunch ally of Habyarimana’s regime (McCarthy, 1994; Benneyworth, 2011; Gregory, 2000; Chafer, 2002; Bartosiewicz, 2022).

Moreover, Belgium, a former colonial power in the region, was grappling with the diminishing of its influence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a development that carried significant repercussions for its economy heavily reliant on the exploitation of Congolese resources. In a strategic realignment akin to that of the DRC, Rwanda had also shifted its allegiances away from Belgium, opting instead for closer engagement with France. This shift in regional dynamics painted President Habyarimana of Rwanda and DRC’s leader Mobutu as prime targets for Belgium’s calculated efforts to safeguard its interests. Given Belgium’s limited resources and influence to execute regime change initiatives in Africa, it historically relied on partnerships with larger powers, primarily the United States, to destabilize the Congo. This pattern harks back to the 1960s when, shortly after Congo’s independence, France sought American assistance in the elimination of Patrice Lumumba. Starting in August 1960, the U.S. Government initiated a clandestine political program in the Congo, which continued for nearly seven years. Initially, its objective was to oust Lumumba from power and replace him with a more moderate, pro-Western leader. This endeavor involved the provision of intelligence counsel, military support, and financial subsidies. In the 1980s, Belgium went to great lengths, even devising invasion routes through Rwanda to access the DRC. However, Habyarimana’s vigilant security apparatus effectively foiled their covert schemes. Belgium’s lingering resentment towards Habyarimana fueled a continuous campaign to undermine his regime (Gauhar, 2009; Weissman, 2014; Bobineau, 2016).

Thirdly, the allure of Congo’s vast reserves of precious minerals, including diamonds, gold, uranium, copper, cobalt, tin, tantalum, and lithium, proved irresistible to numerous Western nations. The transformation of technology from fossil fuels to a more sustainable green technology in Western countries shifted the colossal technology companies’ insatiable demand for rare minerals. This surge in demand was driven by the imperative need to facilitate the transition to green technologies and green economies. Consequently, Western companies began exploring illicit avenues to gain access to the abundant rare minerals in Congo, recognizing that no country could progress technologically without tapping into the rich mineral wealth found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These minerals held immense importance for the global economy, particularly in burgeoning green sectors. Western nations were eager to secure control over these resources before rivals like China and Russia could stake their own claims. Simultaneously, the presence of Tutsi refugees in Uganda, who harbored deep resentment towards the Hutu regime, presented a more favorable alternative to Habyarimana’s pacifist approach to regional politics. This shift ultimately sealed Habyarimana’s fate, requiring a better platform to assassinate him, as previous attempts on his life within Rwanda had failed due to his elite security and widespread popularity (Bleischwitz, Bahn-Walkowiak, Ekardt, Feldt & Fuhr, 2012; Trapido, 2015; Schuele, 2015; Prendergast & Bafilemba, 2018; Smith, 2021).

The Arusha Peace negotiations in Tanzania were ostensibly a means to bring Habyarimana closer to a location where he could be easily accessed and eliminated. However, a more enticing opportunity emerged with the Burundi peace summit, offering a swifter means of removing Habyarimana from Rwanda. In the backdrop of the Rwanda Peace negotiation known as the Arusha Peace Accord, which allocated 40% of power to the Tutsis despite comprising only 14% of the Rwandan population, the Hutus hoped to use this concession as a gesture of peace and unity. They believed it would demonstrate that all Rwandans could coexist harmoniously. Contrary to their intentions, the Tutsis and their backers in Washington and London had ulterior motives. They sought to delay the Peace Accord for as long as possible, creating a window to assassinate Habyarimana, reignite the conflict, and subsequently seize power from the Hutus.

Western powers, notably the United States, actively sought influence over Rwanda’s Bugesera region, where several US military operations were based. President Habyarimana’s steadfast opposition to the militarization of Rwandan soil became a focal point of international conspiracies aimed at his removal. Additionally, he confronted formidable adversaries in the region, including Tutsi refugees in Uganda, integrated into Yoweri Museveni’s army, and Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, who held deep antipathy towards him. These complex factors created an environment conducive to the conspiracy and execution of Habyarimana’s assassination. The presence of US forces in multiple African countries, as highlighted by Colonel Harry Summers and Jim Woods, raised concerns about their involvement in local politics, sometimes leading to devastating consequences, as witnessed in Lebanon and Somalia. These geopolitical strategies, coupled with President Nyerere’s desire for revenge, provided ample opportunities for orchestrating Habyarimana’s assassination. His protracted conflict against Tutsi rebels, backed by several nations, including the US, UK, Ethiopia, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania, had left all parties fatigued. Western imperial interests, driven by the urgency to access Congolese resources before China and Russia, further complicated the situation, heightening the probability of Habyarimana’s assassination. These dynamics prompted the initiation of Rwanda peace negotiations in Tanzania, creating a vulnerable situation for Habyarimana and increasing the risk of assassination attempts (Scorgie, 2004; Traniello, 2008; Jones, 2017; Voice of America, 19-Aug-97).

Contrary to prevailing Western narratives, President Habyarimana’s administration wholeheartedly embraced the Arusha Peace Accord, even though Hutus constituted over 80% of Rwanda’s population. In a remarkable display of magnanimity, Habyarimana agreed to allocate 40% of political power to the Tutsis, a minority in Rwanda, a level of power-sharing exceeding typical democratic standards. Despite this generous offer, the Tutsi factions remained dissatisfied, bolstered by robust Western backing that assured them continued support in military, political, and financial terms. Rather than pursuing a peaceful resolution through the accord, the Tutsis chose to persist in their military campaigns as they relentlessly sought power in Rwanda.

As the plot to assassinate Habyarimana on his return from Tanzania became increasingly ripe, two surface-to-air missiles, initially manufactured in the former Soviet Union in April 1987 and later used by the US during the Gulf War, were clandestinely transported into Rwanda from Uganda. This operation was executed under the guise of a UN peacekeeping mission, with the missiles discreetly concealed beneath a load of firewood. These details were later revealed to the US Congress by two former allies of Paul Kagame, General Kayumba Nyamwasa, who served as Kagame’s Chief of Staff, and Theogene Rudasingwa, Kagame’s former presidential advisor and Ambassador to the USA (Nyamwasa, Karegeya, Rudasingwa & Gahima, 2010).

General Déogratias Nsabimana, born on August 23, 1945, met his tragic end on April 6, 1994, when he was assassinated alongside President Juvénal Habyarimana by Tutsi rebels. A high-ranking figure, he held the positions of General and Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), serving under President Habyarimana from April 1992 until his untimely death. He also took on the role of Minister of Defense. Notably, in October 1990, during the RPF’s invasion of Rwanda from Uganda, General Nsabimana successfully repelled the invaders within a month, driving them back to Uganda.

In the backdrop, you can see Kinyinya Hill, a site that would play a pivotal role in the unfolding tragedy. Here, RPF soldiers, having received instructions from General Paul Kagame, readied two surface-to-air missiles. Their sinister purpose was to bring down Habyarimana’s aircraft as it approached to land in Kigali from Tanzania. Tragically, this ruthless act claimed the lives of all those on board on that fateful day, April 6, 1994.

Captured in this moment is General Juvenal Habyarimana alongside his senior military officers in Mutara during October 1990. The photograph portrays the General’s visit to his triumphant soldiers, who had successfully repelled the RPF Tutsi forces in the Mutara region, compelling them to retreat to Uganda.

The Assassination Night

In the annals of Rwandan history, a tragic event of unparalleled magnitude unfolded on the fateful evening of April 6, 1994 following the reional peace summit in Tanzania. This event sent seismic shockwaves reverberating not only through the heart of Rwanda but also across the region. It was a convergence of dark omens, escalating ethnic tensions, and intricate of geopolitical maneuvers that converged into an unspeakable catastrophe of haunting proportions.

At the heart of this Rwandan chronicle stood President Juvénal Habyarimana, an indomitable embodiment of authority and influence not confined solely to Rwanda, but resonating throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond. With acute sensitivity to the prophetic utterances and prescient warnings of Prophet Magayane, Habyarimana found himself at a pivotal juncture where his destiny became inseparably intertwined with the trajectory of his nation. Anchoring Habyarimana’s leadership, the security of the nation, and the preservation of the Rwanda etched in our childhood memories, General Deogratias Nsabimana emerged as an esteemed pillar of leadership within the Rwandan military, commanding the respect and admiration of compatriots through his resolute defense against external threats. In the midst of an atmosphere permeated by foreboding prophecies and unsettling events, General Nsabimana remained unwavering, a loyal and steadfast sentinel. However, Habyarimana committed a monumental technical error by asking his revered chief of staff to accompany him to the Tanzanian Burundi Peace Summit, a decision that would prove fateful.

However, amidst the intensifying interethnic and political tensions that had gradually climaxed, President Habyarimana embarked upon a pivotal course of action, setting in motion a chain of cataclysmic consequences. Despite the ominous warnings and the ever-looming presence of General Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Habyarimana resolved to undertake a treacherous odyssey, accompanied by his most trusted confidants including General Nsabimana, Major Thaddée Bagaragaza, and Colonel Elie Sagatwa, to the Dar Es Salaam Burundi Summit. This choice went against the counsel of his close associates such as Mobutu and Moi, who had strongly advised him to abstain from attending. Habyarimana was well aware that the summit, orchestrated by fervent supporters of the Tutsi rebels aiming to overthrow the Hutu regime and eliminate him – namely Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania – cast an ominous pall over his path and cast suspicions on his rendezvous with General Nsabimana in Dar Es Salaam. Even in the face of a chilly reception from President Julius Nyerere, Habyarimana remained steadfast in his resolve to travel alongside General Nsabimana, a decision that would later prove to be a grave security lapse.

Around 8:00pm, the presidential aircraft carrying President Habyarimana, his Burundian counterpart Cyprian Ntaryamira, General Nsabimana, and other prominent figures pierced the night sky over Rwanda from Tanzania, unwittingly tracing a symbol of the path along which Rwanda was hurtling. Yet, the pages of scholarly accounts detailing Rwandan history, particularly the events of April 6, 1994, often omit a crucial aspect: when Habyarimana’s plane breached Rwandan airspace, it was not solitary in its journey. Simultaneously, another aircraft—a Belgian C-130 Hercules dispatched by the UN peacekeeping mission—was en route to the same destination. This seemingly inconspicuous detail would unexpectedly assume a paramount role in reshaping the chronicles of Rwandan history. Concealed from many, the synchronized arrival of the UN plane and Habyarimana’s aircraft was no fortuitous coincidence; it had been meticulously choreographed by those positioned within the echelons of the UN peacekeeping mission who had aligned themselves with the RPF’s ascent to power, as well as by those with geopolitical stakes in Rwanda’s downfall (Chalk, Matthews, Barqueiro & Doyle, 2010; Bienvenu,2022).

As the aircraft initiated its descent, the puppeteers behind this tragic narrative tightened their grip. With a keen awareness of the impending peril, the UN peacekeeping mission orchestrated a deliberate extension of the flight path for the Belgian C-130 Hercules, carrying UNAMIR troops, inadvertently prolonging the airborne duration of Habyarimana’s aircraft. This unwitting decision exposed the president and his accompanying party to an elevated level of danger. At approximately 8:20 pm, the presidential plane fell victim to a surface-to-air missile, one of those illicitly brought into Rwanda from Uganda through the UN peacekeeping mission, clandestinely concealed as firewood. As Habyarimana’s aircraft poised for its final descent, mercilessly placed in the crosshairs by Tutsi rebels strategically positioned on Kinyinya hill, the impact of the surface-to-air missiles they unleashed birthed a cataclysmic explosion that rent the night asunder. The resulting devastation shattered the silence, scattering debris far and wide, while extinguishing every life on board beyond the realm of hope or escape ( RUYENZI, 2004; Robinson & Ghahraman, 2008; Reydams, 2018).

As prophesied by Magayane, the ominous fate of Habyarimana unfolded with eerie precision. The prophecy had foretold that he would meet his end through a flying, burning arrow in the sky, his demise taking place within the confines of the banana plantation nestled in his own garden. On April 6, 1994, this prophetic vision became reality. Returning from the Burundi Peace Summit in Tanzania, Habyarimana’s presidential aircraft was tragically downed by the RPF under the leadership of General Paul Kagame, just as it was poised for a landing at the Kigali International Airport. The aircraft, engulfed in flames, plummeted from the heavens and came to rest in the backyard of Habyarimana’s residence. Every soul aboard perished in this harrowing catastrophe, thus fulfilling Magayane’s haunting prophecies and etching a tragic chapter in Rwanda’s history.

Before you stands the former state residence of Juvenal Habyarimana, a place that once provided shelter to him and his family. Within this solemn domain, a poignant reminder endures—the wreckage of Juvenal Habyarimana’s ill-fated plane, now nestled within the garden. This was Habyarimana’s very home in Kigali, a symbol of an era that has witnessed profound changes. In contrast to many other countries where former leaders and their families often retain their property and face no repercussions when regimes change, Rwanda’s story unfolds quite differently. The Tutsi regime ensured that all property and houses owned by members of the former Hutu regimes were systematically demolished. In a deliberate effort to rewrite the history of Hutus and their contributions to the formation of the Rwandan state, even the names of regions in Rwanda were altered. Today, this house stands as a museum, a solemn testament to the complex history and transformations that have shaped the nation.

This is a Dassault Falcon 50, which closely resembles the aircraft involved in the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda and President Cyprian Ntibantunganya of Burundi. The Falcon 50 was a gift from France. On the fateful evening, shortly before 8:20 pm local time (18:20 UTC), the presidential jet completed one circle around Kigali International Airport and initiated its final approach under clear skies. It was at this point that Tutsi rebels stationed at Kabuga Hill launched two missiles with the intent of downing Habyarimana’s plane. The initial surface-to-air missile struck one of the wings of the Dassault Falcon, followed by a second missile targeting its tail. This sequence of events caused the plane to burst into flames while still in mid-air before eventually crashing into the garden of the presidential palace, where it erupted in a catastrophic explosion. Tragically, all twelve individuals on board the Falcon, including three French crew members and nine passengers, lost their lives in this devastating incident.

Another compelling incident that lays bare the active involvement of UN peacekeeping missions in the bedlam that engulfed Kigali on April 6, 1994, is the emergence of misleading news amidst the disarray and pandemonium that followed. From this chaotic aftermath, a meticulously fabricated narrative emerged, tailored with precision to veil the truth. This distorted news, disseminated through the voices of UNAMIR high commanders such as Romeo Dallaire and the upper echelons of the UN peacekeeping mission, including figures like Luc Marshall, propagated a cunning untruth. They attributed the fiery explosion of Habyarimana’s aircraft, suspended in the sky ablaze, to the UN peacekeeping ammunition depot linked to the UN mission. This calculated spread of disinformation served as a smokescreen, deftly obscuring the malevolent underpinnings behind the aircraft’s downing. Moreover, it bought invaluable time for the Kagame-led rebels to strategically position themselves within Kigali’s urban landscape. Simultaneously, it afforded the UN peacekeeping missions an opportunity to harmonize their efforts with collaborators, including then-Prime Minister Agathe Uwiringiyimana, who sought the coordination of the UN peacekeeping forces and Romeo Dallaire to orchestrate her inauguration as Rwanda’s new president (Powley & Anderlini, 2003; Gahongayire, 2011).

In a candid and revelatory statement before the USA Congress, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, former aide to Paul Kagame and former Rwandan ambassador to the UN, spoke the unvarnished truth. He asserted unequivocally that Paul Kagame, at the time the overall commander of the Rwandese Patriotic Army, the armed wing of the Rwandese Patriotic Front, bore direct personal responsibility for the tragic shooting down of the ill-fated plane. Dr. Rudasingwa recounted a chilling encounter in July 1994 when Paul Kagame himself callously and with apparent satisfaction confessed to him his role in the plane’s downing. Despite the public denials, the culpability of Kagame in this heinous act is an open secret within the inner circles of the RPF and RDF. Dr. Rudasingwa also acknowledged his own complicity in promoting this false narrative, particularly to foreign audiences who, largely unaware of the truth, came to accept it, even though he was well aware of Kagame’s involvement in this crime (Rudasingwa, 1998; Kanter, Arzt, Rudasingwa & Johnson, 1999; Nyamwasa, Karegeya, Rudasingwa & Gahima, 2010; Podur & Podur, 2020).

The aftermath of the tragic plane crash claimed twelve invaluable lives, including significant figures such as Juvénal Habyarimana, the Rwandan President; Cyprien Ntaryamira, President of Burundi; Bernard Ciza, Burundian Minister of Public Works; Cyriaque Simbizi, Burundian Minister of Communication; Major General Déogratias Nsabimana, esteemed Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Army; Major Thaddée Bagaragaza, entrusted guardian of the Rwandan president’s security; Colonel Elie Sagatwa, a pivotal member of the Rwandan president’s inner circle; Juvénal Renzaho, sage advisor in foreign affairs; and Dr. Emmanuel Akingeneye, personal physician to Habyarimana. The crew of the French aircraft were also lost: Jacky Héraud (pilot), Jean-Pierre Minaberry (co-pilot), and Jean-Michel Perrine (flight engineer).

When news of Habyarimana’s assassination reverberated across the nation, it sent shockwaves through the entire population, transcending political affiliations and ethnic boundaries. Even those who had vocally opposed Habyarimana, singing chants like “Habyarimana Gisunzu Navaho Impundu Zizavuga,” loosely translated as “When Habyarimana is removed from power, there will be sounds of ululation,” were stunned. Despite their political differences with Habyarimana, they did not wish for his death.

Many Tutsis, particularly those who supported the RPF led by Kagame, found it difficult to fathom that assassinating Habyarimana was a viable solution. They recognized that, in some respects, Habyarimana had provided them with a degree of protection from extremist Hutus. Contrary to what some Western media outlets and RPF propaganda may suggest, Habyarimana’s regime had seen many Tutsis benefit in various ways. Among the top ten wealthiest individuals in Rwanda during Habyarimana’s rule, names such as Rwigara Assinapol, Silas Majyambere, Rubangura Francois, and Sisi Evariste were all Tutsis. Furthermore, the General Secretary of Habyarimana’s political Party MRND, Habimana Bonaventure, was a Tutsi, and the leader of the infamous Interahamwe, Kajuga Robert, was a Tutsi, among others. These Tutsis were reluctant to see the conflict escalate because they had much to lose. They were also acutely aware that if any harm befell Habyarimana, certain Hutu extremists, particularly those who had witnessed Tutsi rebels massacring their loved ones in the Ruhengeri and Byumba regions over the past four years, might seek revenge. Essentially, the desire for Habyarimana’s demise was primarily limited to the RPF Tutsi rebels, their supporters in Washington and London, President Museveni of Uganda, President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and Burundian President Buyoya Pierre. The majority of Rwandans, whether Hutus or Tutsis, simply longed for an end to the conflict.

The meticulously orchestrated assassination of Habyarimana, carried out by General Paul Kagame, has left an indelible mark in history as one of the most profound political miscalculations. Despite the forewarnings of the catastrophic consequences this act would unleash upon innocent Rwandans, the Tutsi rebels and their Western supporters persisted in their course of action. This tragic event acted as a clarion call for all Rwandans, cutting across ethnic lines, to realize that the Tutsis under Kagame’s leadership aspired to wield absolute power rather than seeking peaceful coexistence with their fellow countrymen. The hope that Habyarimana’s offer of 40% power-sharing with the Tutsis, as outlined in the Arusha Accords—officially the Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front—would usher in an era of peace was shattered by the RPF’s assassination of Habyarimana. It left people bewildered, questioning the RPF’s intentions, which seemed to extend beyond reconciliation to a desire to subjugate the Hutu population, mirroring the historical oppression inflicted by Tutsi monarchs on Hutus for over four centuries.

This act inadvertently signaled the Tutsi rebels’ intent to reinstate the oppressive Tutsi monarchy, known for its historical brutality, including public castrations and other atrocities against Hutus. Consequently, this realization galvanized even those Hutus who had previously been in opposition, laying bare the RPF’s true objective—seizing power at any cost, even if it meant jeopardizing the lives of countless innocent civilians. Habyarimana’s assassination and the ensuing events compelled Hutus in the southern regions of Rwanda, many of whom had previously opposed his regime, to recognize that the RPF’s target was not limited to Habyarimana alone but encompassed all Rwandans. This tragic realization ignited a chain of events that culminated in a massacre, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of innocent lives, both Hutus and Tutsis (Block, 1994; Kintu, 2005).

The tragic incident claimed the lives of all 12 people on board, including both Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira, both of Hutu ethnicity. This assassination proved to be the catalyst that set in motion the harrowing Rwandan genocide. Amidst the expanse of his residence now lies the poignant remnants of Juvénal Habyarimana’s Falcon 50, serving as a solemn testament to the cataclysmic events that unfolded. It was on the ominous date of April 6, 1994, as the plane carrying Habyarimana and Ntaryamira descended near Kigali, that it tragically fell victim to a devastating missile strike. The Falcon, ensnared in this heart-wrenching twist of fate, careened into the tranquil gardens of President Habyarimana’s residence, leaving behind a haunting echo of the calamity that had transpired. The death of Habyarimana and the descent of his plane into the very courtyard, nestled amidst the banana plantation, seemed to fulfill the prophesies of Magayanes, foretold nearly two decades prior to his untimely demise.

In this poignant image, Tutsi rebels are seen meticulously inspecting the wreckage of the ill-fated plane in which Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana and his Burundian counterpart Cyprian Ntaryamira met their tragic fate on April 6, 1994. The somber photograph, captured by Corinne Dufka of Reuters, serves as a haunting reminder of the pivotal moment when history took a devastating turn, setting in motion the harrowing events that would come to define the Rwandan Genocide.

For General Kagame and other Tutsi leaders like General Kayumba Nyamwasa and General Kabarebe, the successful assassination of Habyarimana, along with his formidable Chief of Military Staff, General Deogratias Nsabimana (Caster), seemed like a providential gift that presented them with a rare opportunity to seize power, regardless of the bloodshed it would entail. They urgently summoned reinforcements from their bases in Uganda and Burundi to bolster their bid for control in Kigali. Furthermore, some Western powers had stationed their naval forces in Burundi, providing crucial logistical and intelligence support to the Tutsi rebels. Amidst escalating violence in Kigali, Hutu generals appealed to the RPF for a ceasefire, citing the overwhelming bloodshed, but General Kagame dismissed their plea and vowed to press on with military operations, unleashing a devastating wave of unimaginable carnage.

Further insights into these events can be gleaned from information revealed in The Guardian, obtained under the US Freedom of Information Act, specifically dating back to April 23. The CIA’s national intelligence daily, a classified briefing disseminated to high-ranking officials including then-Vice President Al Gore and hundreds of senior figures, contained nearly daily reports on the situation in Rwanda. One such report, dated April 23, emphasized that rebels were poised to continue their fighting, intending to spread the conflict southward. It urgently called for US intervention to halt the escalating bloodshed on both sides of the conflict.

Tragically, when Bill Clinton was apprised of the mounting massacre in Rwanda and the pressing need for intervention, especially given the presence of American forces on standby in Burundi, his response was to refrain from intervention. His rationale rested on the perception that “his man,” Paul Kagame, who had received training in the USA, seemed to be gaining the upper hand in the conflict. This decision, guided by regional geopolitical interests, regrettably placed countless lives in jeopardy (Rever, 2015; Gahima, 2006; Rever, 2020).

During this critical period, many Rwandans also reported witnessing an enigmatic presence in the skies over Rwanda. This entity, believed to be a satellite deployed by superpowers, was marked by a multitude of lights and cameras scanning the Rwandan landscape from Kagituma near Uganda to Rusizi near Burundi. This machine diligently captured images of the ongoing conflict and meticulously documented the military positions of Habyarimana’s forces. These invaluable images were then shared with the Tutsi rebels, serving as a pivotal asset that significantly bolstered Kagame’s military advances.

The aftermath of Habyarimana’s assassination painted a grim tableau of bloodshed, with Rwandan rivers flowing red and the hillsides bearing witness to a testament of unspeakable horrors. Communities disintegrated as once-harmonious bonds were sundered irreparably. The chilling forebodings, once dismissed, found unsettling resonance in the prophetic warnings of Magayane. What were once eerie predictions now reverberated with haunting accuracy, encapsulating the nightmarish reality that had unfolded.

Here, a Tutsi soldier can be seen meticulously sifting through the wreckage of Falcon 50 jet, the ill-fated aircraft carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and his Burundian counterpart, Cyprien Ntaryamira. Tragically, this aircraft met its demise when a missile struck it as it was preparing to land in Kigali, Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of all 14 people on board, which included 9 Hutus and three French technicians. This assassination would serve as the catalyst for the Rwandan Genocide, a devastating event that unfolded in the wake of this fateful day. The plane’s tragic fate was sealed when it was shot down from Kabuga Hill in Kigali by Tutsi rebels, an act that would forever alter the course of history and plunge Rwanda into a period of unimaginable turmoil and suffering.

Following three harrowing months of ceaseless bloodshed, the RPF, reinforced by military backing from Uganda and Burundi and fortified by substantial political, military, and economic aid from the Clinton administration, relentlessly pursued their campaign. Meanwhile, the Hutu-led government grappled with the void left by their fallen president, the paralysis of their administrative machinery, and the profound absence of their formidable General Deogratias Nsabimana, who had accompanied Habyarimana. Their plight was exacerbated by debilitating economic and military embargoes, both imposed by the UN and the USA, effectively barring any nation from supplying arms to the Hutu transitional government. As the confluence of these devastating factors bore down, the Hutus eventually succumbed to defeat (Picco, 2010; Verwimp & Verwimp, 2013).

Exodus became an unavoidable reality, thrusting millions of Rwandans, primarily Hutus, into the harrowing clutches of exile. In a nation that had once been home to a population of roughly six million Rwandans, the majority were Hutus, constituting about 85% of the populace, which equated to approximately 5,100,000 Rwandans. Tutsis accounted for around 14%, totaling over 840,000 Rwandans, while the Twas constituted the remaining 1%, numbering approximately 60,000 individuals. The relentless toll of the genocide, which began on October 1, 1990, and continued unabated for four years, culminated in the tragic assassination of Habyarimana and persisted through July 1994. Within Rwanda’s borders, the genocide claimed the lives of over a million individuals (Kleine-Ahlbrandt, 1998).

As the killings persisted, more than 4.5 million Rwandans sought refuge across the border in Zaire/Congo, while an additional 500,000 sought shelter in neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya. After Rwanda fell into the hands of the Tutsi rebels, approximately 300,000 people who had narrowly escaped the RPF’s onslaught found a semblance of sanctuary within the confines of the Kibeho Catholic Parish and the nearby hills in southern Rwanda. This refuge was made possible thanks to the humanitarian efforts of the French military during their controlled operation known as “Opération Turquoise.” Among those who chose to remain in Rwanda and seek safety in Kibeho Parish, I was one of them, holding onto the hope that calm would return, allowing me to resume my studies (Haspeslagh, 2003; Jordan, 2003; Prunier, 2017).

Within the Kibeho refugee camp, which was initially protected by the French during “Operation Turquoise,” our numbers swelled with countless other refugees from across Rwanda. Subsequently, the camp was entrusted to UN peacekeepers from Australia and Zambia. It was within this space that we clung to survival, enduring the trials and tribulations of exile within our own country until April 22, 1995, when our fate was irrevocably sealed (O’Connor, 1996; Emizet, 2000; O’Halloran, 2020; Pickard, 2020).

In this poignant photograph, a Tutsi soldier affiliated with the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), the group held responsible for its alleged involvement in the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana, stands before a portrait of the slain leader in the heart of Kigali. The portrait serves as a solemn reminder of the profound and tragic events that unfolded on April 6, 1994, when President Habyarimana perished in a plane crash—an incident for which the Rwandan Tutsi rebels were accused of participating in the shooting down of the aircraft. Regrettably, this crash became the catalyst for a wave of mass massacres and unimaginable violence. The photograph, masterfully captured by Corine Dufka of REUTERS, encapsulates the complexity and profound sorrow of those tumultuous times in Rwandan history.

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DR. WILLIAM

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Dr. William A. Twayigize

DR. WILLIAM