Citation
United States Department of State |
Bureau of Intelligence and Research
SPOT Intelligence Report
AS OF 08:45 EDT APRIL 7, 1994
RWANDA/BURUNDI: Turmoil in Rwanda
[...] told Ambassador David Rawson this morning
that rogue Hutu elements of the military -- possibly the elite
presidential guard -- were responsible for shooting down the plane
carrying Presidents Habyiramana of Rwanda and Ntaryamira of Burundi. The Chief of
Staff of the Rwandan military, two ministers from Rwanda and two
ministers from Burundi were among those killed in the crash.
Military elements are also blamed for the Subsequent killing
Of Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and the seizure and or
killing of several other Rwandan cabinet officials including the
senior ranking Tutsi. The Prime Minister had attempted to reach
the home of the US Deputy chief of mission, but fled when she
heard gunfire.in the area. She Subsequently sought refuge in
the UNDP headquarters, but presidential guard elements broke
down the door and executed her, according to Ambassador Rawson.
[...] told the Ambassador that the military
is attempting to bring the rogue elements under control and that
a meeting. had been sheduled for 1100 Kigali time. We have no
readout on that meeting or whether it even took place. News
reports indicate fighting in Kigali among various elements of
the military, the presidential guard and the gendarmes. The
fighting appears to be limited to the capital, Kigali.
Ultra conservative Hutus had been opposed to the peace
Settlement agreed to by the Hutu Rwandan government and the
rebel Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). One Rwandan official
has accused the RPF of Shooting down the plane, according to
press reports; the RPF has denied responsibility. |
All US Embassy personnel are réportedly safe, but are unable
to reach the Embassy because of roadblocks. The airport is also
Closed with 5 trucks are blocking the runway.
DISTRIBUTION: S, D, P, T, M, C, L, H, CA, PA, S/S, S/S-0, S/P,
S/MEC, S/NIS, INR (5), FAX: WHSR, CIA, DIA, NSA, OSD, Jcs
Drafted: jÿmann
Approved: jmann
ONE LDEN E
DECL: OADR
“Dept. of State, RPS/IPS, Margaret P Grafeld, Dir Li
Release (99 Excise ( } Deny (k) Declassi
Le 4{12-/et Exemption #4, _{ FC)
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Members of the United Nations Observer Mission UNAMIR,
‘operating under rules of engagement Which preclude their firing
unless fired Upon, have not been involved in the fighting.
France has put its troops in Africa on alert, but has no plans
to send forces to Rwanda or Burundi, according to media reports.
Bujumbura is reported calm accofding to the Us Embassy there.
