Failure of Transitional Government Inauguration

On 31 December 1993, the inauguration of the Broad-Based Transitional Government (BBTG) in Rwanda, as stipulated in the Arusha Peace Agreement, did not take place. This was due to ongoing disagreements between the Rwandan Government and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) over key issues, primarily concerning the allocation of ministerial positions in the new government structure.

Key Points:

1. Arusha Peace Agreement:
   • The Arusha Peace Agreement, signed in August 1993, was intended to bring an end to the Rwandan Civil War and create a power-sharing government between the Hutu-dominated government and the RPF, a primarily Tutsi-led rebel group.
   • The agreement outlined the creation of a Broad-Based Transitional Government (BBTG), which would include representatives from both the Rwandan Government and the RPF, as well as other political parties.
   • The RPF was to be granted positions in the government, including key roles in the military and government ministries.
2. Disagreements Over Ministerial Positions:
   • As the deadline for the transitional government inauguration approached on 31 December 1993, disagreements emerged over who should hold the ministerial posts.
   • The Rwandan Government, led by President Habyarimana, was reluctant to give up power and the control of key positions to the RPF.
   • The RPF demanded a more significant role in the government, including representation in key ministries. However, there was resistance from the Hutu political elites who feared losing their grip on power.
3. Failure to Inaugurate the Government:
   • Despite the Arusha Peace Agreement outlining a specific timeline, the inauguration of the transitional government did not occur as planned on 31 December 1993. This failure highlighted the deep political tensions and lack of trust between the Rwandan Government and the RPF.
   • The stalled peace process further exacerbated the situation, with Hutu extremists continuing to oppose the peace agreement and the inclusion of the RPF in government.
4. Impact on the Peace Process:
   • The inability to inaugurate the transitional government in December 1993 signaled that the peace process was faltering.
   • Tensions between the Rwandan Government and the RPF continued to escalate, and extremist factions within the government, including the Interahamwe militia, were already preparing for violent resistance to the peace agreement.
   • By 6 April 1994, just a few months later, the assassination of President Habyarimana would trigger the start of the Rwandan Genocide, and the Arusha Accords would unravel completely.

Summary:

On 31 December 1993, the planned inauguration of the Broad-Based Transitional Government (BBTG) in Rwanda, as part of the Arusha Peace Agreement, did not take place. The Rwandan Government and the RPF were unable to reach an agreement on the allocation of ministerial positions, reflecting the deep political divisions and lack of trust between the two sides. This failure to establish the transitional government further undermined the peace process and contributed to the eventual breakdown of the accords, culminating in the Genocide Against Tutsi in April 1994.