Post-independence Rwanda
Primary 6 · Social and Religious Studies
Post-independence Rwanda
Lesson 3 of 5
25 min
Let's begin
In July 1973, soldiers took power in Kigali. Some people hoped the new leaders would end discrimination.
Did things get better? Today you will look at the Second Republic and decide for yourself.
On 5 July 1973, Major General Juvénal Habyarimana took power in a coup d'état, a takeover of the government by force. The Second Republic lasted until 1994.
In 1975, Habyarimana created a party called the MRND. It became the only party allowed. Every Rwandan was counted as a member, even babies. People could not form other parties until multi-party politics was allowed in 1991.
The government also favoured people from certain regions, especially the north, where the president came from. They got the best jobs, school places and business chances. Favouring people because of the region they come from is called regionalism.
Hundreds of thousands of Rwandan refugees still lived in neighbouring countries. The government said Rwanda was too full to take them back, so they were denied the right to return home.
A small group around the president's family, later known as the Akazu ("little house"), held great power and wealth. Nepotism (giving jobs to relatives and friends), corruption and dictatorship grew.
Worked example
Compare the two republics.
| First Republic | Second Republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1962–1973 | 1973–1994 |
| Leader | Grégoire Kayibanda | Juvénal Habyarimana |
| Party | PARMEHUTU | MRND, the only party allowed |
| Discrimination against Tutsi | Yes, including quotas | Yes, quotas continued |
| Refugees allowed home? | No | No |
| Regional favouritism | Yes, especially for the north |
So the answer to our question: things did not get better. Discrimination continued, and power became even more concentrated.
Tip
One party, one region, one group shut out
The Second Republic had one party (the MRND), favoured one region (the north), and kept one group (the Tutsi) out of jobs and schools.
Answer each one, then tap Show answer to check.
How did the Second Republic begin?
Answer: with a coup d'état on 5 July 1973, led by Juvénal Habyarimana.
What was the MRND?
Answer: the party created by Habyarimana in 1975; it was the only party allowed.
What is regionalism?
Answer: favouring people because of the region they come from.
Name one way the First and Second Republics were the same.
Answer: both discriminated against Tutsi (for example with quotas), and both refused refugees the right to return.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
Match each word to its meaning.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
