Actions of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and Rwandan Government

The RPF’s Military Response to Genocide

1. Immediate resumption of military action
   1. After the collapse of the Arusha Accords and the start of the genocide, the RPF resumed military action to stop the massacres and ensure its survival.
   2. The international community failed to intervene, leaving the RPF as the only force actively resisting the genocide.
   3. About 100 days after the genocide began, in mid-July 1994, the RPF captured Kigali, effectively bringing an end to the genocide.
2. From ceasefire to full-scale campaign
   1. Following the assassination of President Habyarimana and the immediate onset of mass killings, the RPF, under Paul Kagame, abandoned its ceasefire and launched a full-scale military campaign from its northern strongholds.
   2. Initially focused on rescuing besieged forces in Kigali and Byumba, the RPF expanded operations to encircle and capture strategic areas, including Kigali (captured July 1994), effectively halting massacres in those regions.
   3. Their advance was the single most effective effort in stopping the genocide, as international intervention was minimal.
3. Protection of civilians and humanitarian actions
   1. As the RPF advanced, they set up humanitarian corridors and safe zones where Tutsi civilians could find protection.
   2. They prioritized halting massacres and dismantling genocidal command structures.
   3. In liberated areas, the RPF found mass graves and devastated communities, and organized rescue and medical efforts for survivors, many of whom had been hiding for weeks.

The Rwandan Government’s Role in the Genocide

1. Central orchestration and launch of violence
   1. The genocide was orchestrated by a crisis committee led by Colonel Bagosora, supported by extremist politicians, the army, and militias (Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi).
   2. Targeted killings of Tutsi and moderate Hutu began on April 7, 1994, directed from the top levels of government.
2. Removal of moderates and consolidation of control
   1. Within 24 hours of the president’s death, key moderate leaders such as Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and other Arusha signatories were killed.
   2. This eliminated opposition to extremist plans and allowed the interim government to consolidate control.
3. State-directed mobilization and propaganda
   1. Killings were organized and mobilized by the government through regional leaders, prefects, and mayors who coordinated with militias, distributed weapons, and used radio propaganda (e.g., RTLM) to incite civilians.
   2. Churches and public buildings, where Tutsi were encouraged to seek refuge, became massacre sites, often with the collaboration of clergy.
4. Security forces and command structure
   1. The Presidential Guard and elite army units spearheaded the violence, often alongside local police and armed civilians.
   2. Bagosora, Protais Mpiranya, and other military leaders issued direct orders and maintained communication with local commanders to ensure coordination.
5. Large-scale massacres and notorious cases
   1. Large-scale killings occurred at ETO (Kigali), Kabgayi, Ntarama, and Nyarubuye.
   2. In many cases, government officials orchestrated the killings directly, including the infamous actions of Mayor Gacumbitsi in Nyarubuye, where over 20,000 were murdered.