Rwanda: Information on the increase of threats or attacks against Tutsi citizens since the mass repatriation of Hutus in December 1996 and January 1997, whether Tutsis are at risk, what areas of Rwanda pose greater risk and on their protection by the Rwandese state
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | RWA29065.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Rwanda: Information on the increase of threats or attacks against Tutsi citizens since the mass repatriation of Hutus in December 1996 and January 1997, whether Tutsis are at risk, what areas of Rwanda pose greater risk and on their protection by the Rwandese state, 1 March 1998, RWA29065.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aae6c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The attachments which are principally from the first two months of 1998 refer to increase of attacks and killings of members of Tutsi ethnic group and other civilians in Rwanda by the Hutu militia and members of former Rwandese army (Ex-FAR). Those attacks and killings mainly took place in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri, two prefectures in Northwestern Rwanda. The reports also refer to fierce fighting between the Hutu rebels and the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA), because its effort to protect civilians.
The Research Directorate was unable to find information on state protection for Tutsis.
For additional information on the threats, attacks and killings perpetrated by the Hutu rebels in Northwestern Rwanda, please refer to attachments to Responses to Information Requests RWA28575.E and RWA28851.F of 7 January 1998 and 27 February 1998 respectively.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Attachments
Agence France Presse (AFP). 30 October 1997. "Des tracts racistes découverts dans le nord du Rwanda". [internet] [Accessed 30 Oct. 1997].
AP Worldstream. 10 February 1998. "Rwanda Rebels Hacks to Death 58 People." (NEXIS)
_____. 25 January 1998. "Army says Civilians Hacked to Death in Northwestern Rwanda." (NEXIS)
_____. 14 January 1998. "Rwandans Troops Kill 24 Rebels Rwanda-Killings." (NEXIS)
The Irish Times. 7 February 1998. Paul Cullen. "Rwanda Slips Inexorably into Genocide Thousands Are Dying in Rwanda's Escalating Conflict, but the International Community Seems Powerless to Stop It." (NEXIS)
The Washington Post. 28 January 1998. Stephen Buckley. "3 Countries Feel Hutu Rebels' Wrath; Refugees' Attacks on Tutsis Cost Lives, Threaten Stability in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo." (NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
Africa confidential [London]. 1997- February 1998.
Africa Research Bulletin [Oxford]. 1997.
Resource Centre country file: Rwanda. 1997 to present.
Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 1994 to present.
Electronic sources : Research Directorate databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, Internet, REFWORLD (UNHCR database), World News Connection (WNC).