In 1994, the Rwandan population was primarily composed of two major ethnic groups: the Hutus and the Tutsis. Traditionally, although the Tutsis were the smaller group, they held the highest ranks in Rwandan society. When German colonizers arrived in the nineteenth century, they found it most convenient to collaborate with the existing power structure, thereby supporting the Tutsi ruling class and using it as a puppet government. This arrangement, backed by German military might, solidified the Tutsis’ control over Rwandan society while resulting in worsening poverty and social oppression for the Hutus.

After World War II, Rwanda came under Belgian control, and the Belgians favored returning power to the Hutus. When Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the long-standing social tensions erupted into violence, prompting many Tutsis to flee the country to escape the conflict. By 1994, the violence had escalated to horrifying levels. Eager for power and seeking revenge for centuries of oppression, elements within the Hutu community—supported by the Hutu government—began massacring Tutsi civilians wherever they could find them. It is estimated that around 1 million Tutsis were killed during this genocide.

After months of indiscriminate slaughter, French peacekeeping forces entered the country to protect civilians, while Rwandan opposition forces successfully drove the Hutu government from power. Former government officials, along with a large number of Hutu civilians, fled the country.

In the aftermath, there was a swift call for justice. However, it took time for the country to stabilize enough for trials to commence. Eventually, on December 27, 1996, the genocide trials began with the prosecution of Deo Bizimana, a former hospital aide who played a significant role in the killings. These trials continued until 2015.