Reinforcement of Armed Struggle Plan at RPF Congress in Washington

From 17 to 20 August 1988, a significant congress was held by members of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which took place in Washington, D.C. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of the RPF, an exile-based political and military movement, as it reinforced its commitment to return to Rwanda through an armed struggle.

Background of the RPF:

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), initially known as the Rwandese Alliance for National Unity (RANU), was formed in 1987 by Rwandan refugees, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group, who had fled the country after the 1960s and 1970s ethnic conflicts. Many of these refugees had been living in neighboring countries, particularly Uganda, where they became part of the broader refugee community in East Africa.

In Uganda, the exiled Tutsis faced not only social and political exclusion but also the denial of the right to return to Rwanda. The situation worsened under the government of Juvénal Habyarimana, which had come to power in 1973 and was known for its ethnic Hutu-dominated policies. This repression, combined with widespread human rights abuses, led to growing frustrations among the Tutsi refugees, many of whom felt the need to take action to end their exile and return to Rwanda.

The Washington Congress of 1988:

The Washington congress was an important strategic meeting of RPF members, during which the organization, having undergone a transformation from RANU to RPF, firmly decided on the path forward for the liberation of Rwanda. This congress not only outlined the political agenda of the RPF but also underscored its commitment to armed resistance against the Habyarimana regime in Rwanda.

During this event, the RPF members discussed several key objectives:

1. Strengthening the Armed Struggle: The congress emphasized the necessity of armed struggle as the primary means of achieving political change in Rwanda. After years of political oppression and failed diplomatic negotiations, the RPF made it clear that only through force could the Hutu-led government be overthrown, and Rwandan Tutsis could return to their homeland.
2. Military Training and Organization: The RPF began to actively organize its military wing, which had already received training in various countries, particularly in Uganda, where many members of the RPF had been integrated into Ugandan military units. By the time of the congress, the movement had developed a clear military strategy that was designed to prepare them for the eventual invasion of Rwanda. The Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF), under President Yoweri Museveni, was a crucial ally to the RPF during these years.
3. Internal Mobilization and Solidarity: The congress further solidified the RPF’s internal structure, bringing together various factions of exiled Rwandans who were united by a common cause: the return to Rwanda and the establishment of a government that would represent all Rwandans, regardless of ethnicity. The event also reinforced the movement’s commitment to creating a government that would ensure political equality and unity among Rwanda’s ethnic groups.
4. International Diplomacy and Support: During the congress, the RPF sought international recognition and support for its cause. They were aware of the potential challenges in gaining international backing for an armed struggle, particularly due to the Cold War dynamics. However, their commitment to a just cause—the rights of refugees to return home and the end of ethnic discrimination—resonated with various African leaders and international advocacy groups.
5. Vision for a Post-Conflict Rwanda: A key outcome of the congress was the RPF’s commitment to the future of Rwanda post-Habyarimana. They emphasized the importance of a unified, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that would not only bring back exiled Tutsis but would also prioritize national reconciliation and political pluralism.

Reinforcement of Armed Struggle:

During the Washington congress, the RPF reaffirmed its strategy of armed struggle. This was in response to the increasing frustration and disillusionment with peaceful negotiation efforts that had failed to yield any meaningful change in Rwanda. The decision to pursue an armed return was framed as both necessary and inevitable due to the continued oppression of the Tutsi minority, the disregard for human rights, and the entrenchment of Hutu extremists in power.

In the months following the congress, the RPF started preparing for the military phase of its mission. They began to infiltrate Uganda’s borders into Rwanda, and eventually, in October 1990, the RPF launched its first major military offensive into Rwanda, marking the start of the Rwandan Civil War.

Impact and Legacy:

The congress of August 1988 was a decisive moment in the history of the RPF and the broader struggle for political change in Rwanda. It marked the solidification of the RPF’s strategy and its military preparations for the eventual conflict that would lead to the Rwandan Civil War and ultimately the 1994 Genocide.

The armed struggle launched by the RPF after the congress laid the groundwork for what would become a four-year conflict that culminated in the capture of Kigali in July 1994. After the genocide, the RPF led by Paul Kagame went on to form the new Rwandan government, which set about rebuilding the country and establishing the post-genocide political order.

Conclusion:

The 17-20 August 1988 congress of the RPF was a key event that reinforced the organization’s commitment to returning to Rwanda through armed struggle. It set the stage for the Rwandan Civil War and helped catalyze the chain of events that would ultimately lead to the Rwandan Genocide and the RPF’s victory in 1994. The congress marked a turning point for the RPF’s leadership and military strategy, signaling their readiness to engage in the battle to reshape Rwanda’s political landscape and bring an end to years of exile and oppression.