Rwanda Before 1962 Rwanda is under colonial rule, first by Germany between 1894 and 1918, then by Belgium between 1924 and 1962. Both colonial rulers rely on Tutsi monarchs to implement policies. 1959 A group of Hutu intellectuals issue a manifesto calling for an end to both Tutsi exploitation and Belgian rule. 1961 January 28 The Tutsi monarchy is abolished and replaced with a republic led by an allHutu provisional national government. 1973 July 5 Major General Juvénal Habyarimana assumes the office of the president after overthrowing Gregoire Kayibanda. Habyarimana remains in power after winning subsequent reelections in unopposed contests. 1990 October 1 The Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) based in Uganda launches an attack on Rwanda, initiating a civil war and causing mass displacement of Rwandans. 1933 Following a colony-wide census, Belgian colonial administrators introduce a national identity card that includes ethnicity, institutionalizing the now monolithic “Hutu” and “Tutsi” distinction. November 1 A “Hutu Uprising” leads to anti-Tutsi massacres followed by outbreaks of inter-ethnic mass violence in the years leading up to the genocide. Hundreds of thousands of Tutsi are forced to flee Rwanda. 1962 July 1 Rwanda gains independence from Belgium, and Hutu leader Gregoire Kayibanda is elected president on October 26, 1962. Kayibanda remains in power, running unopposed in subsequent elections, until he is overthrown in a coup. on July 5, 1973 by his defense minister Major General Juvénal Habyarimana. 1962 New national identity cards introduced but still include ethnicity.