#004 Rwandan Genocide Part 1 – How it Unfolded

The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

As someone who lived in Rwanda for 6 years and ran a restaurant there, I’ve heard countless personal stories of loss, survival, and resilience.

In this two-part series, I begin by explaining the historical background, how colonialism shaped ethnic tensions, and how the genocide was systematically planned and executed.

We’ll also reflect on how the international community stood by as the tragedy unfolded.

🕒 **Timestamps**

00:00 – Introduction & why I left Japan

05:45 – Historical background: colonial rule & ethnic divide

12:30 – The 1994 genocide and the international response

17:40 – Rebuilding Rwanda: reconciliation & global recognition

22:00 – Reflections: what Rwanda taught me about silence, responsibility, and hope

🕊️ Next week in Part 2, I’ll share real stories from genocide survivors I met in Rwanda.

📍 **Referenced sources & visuals**

- 🎥 My YouTube: [

- 🕊 Kigali Genocide Memorial: [https://kgm.rw](https://kgm.rw)

- 🇫🇷 Macron’s 2021 visit (Al Jazeera coverage): [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/27/frances-macron-acknowledges-role-in-rwanda-genocide](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/27/frances-macron-acknowledges-role-in-rwanda-genocide)

- 🇺🇸 Clinton at Kwibuka30 (NPR article): [https://www.npr.org/2024/04/07/1243342449/bill-clinton-rwanda-genocide-anniversary](https://www.npr.org/2024/04/07/1243342449/bill-clinton-rwanda-genocide-anniversary)

- 📺 Netflix – *World’s Most Wanted* (Félicien Kabuga): [https://www.netflix.com/title/81084599](https://www.netflix.com/title/81084599)

- 📽 NHK 1998 documentary: [https://www.nhk.jp/p/tokikaketv/ts/WQGK99QWJZ/episode/te/5KRG4VJ122/](https://www.nhk.jp/p/tokikaketv/ts/WQGK99QWJZ/episode/te/5KRG4VJ122/)