In 1959, Mutara III died and was succeeded by Kigeri V. The Hutus contended that the new mwami had not been properly chosen, and fighting broke out between the Hutus and the Tutsis (who were aided by the Twa). The Hutus emerged victorious, and some 100,000 Tutsis, including Kigeri V, fled to neighboring countries. Hutu political parties won the election of 1960; Gregoire Kayibanda became interim prime minister. In early 1961 a republic was proclaimed, which was confirmed in a UN-supervised referendum later in the year. Belgium granted independence to Rwanda on July 1, 1962(History http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860866.html)."

The first president elected following the Constitution adoption was Kayibanda / He was then re-elected two more times.

In 1964, following an incursion from Burundi, which continued to be controlled by its Tutsi aristocracy, many Tutsis were killed in Rwanda, and numerous others left the country (History http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860866.html).In 1971-72, relations with Uganda were bitter...
[ View Full Essay]