These collections contain material on the humanitarian disaster facing a large number of displaced individuals throughout the African Great Lakes Region following the Rwandan Genocide. The documents in these collections include information on the response to the crisis by the international community, including relief efforts by France, the United States, the United Nations, and non-government organizations. These collections concern the efforts to bring stability to Rwanda; to create conditions for repatriation; security in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps; and increased instability throughout the Great Lakes Region, particularly Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Burundi.
Operation Turquoise, UNAMIR II, and Operation Support Hope
Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns the decision by President William Clinton to greatly increase U.S. military humanitarian relief operations named Operation Support Hope and appeals by UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali for assistance for the people affected by the crisis in Rwanda. This trance includes discussions between the U.S. and France, particularly concerning equipment for the United Nations Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR).
Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns the contributions by various nations in relief efforts for refugees and the UN Pledging Conference for Rwanda. This tranche begins with the U.S. military securing Kigali Airport for relief flights.
Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns the transition from Operation Turquoise to an expanded UNAMIR; security issues in refugee camps; and the volatile situation in Burundi. This tranche also concerns funding issues, discussions on forming Friends of Rwanda and Friends of Burundi groups, and the drawdown of Operation Support Hope.
Camp Security and the Rwanda Operational Support Group
Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns efforts to ensure security in the refugee camps and discussions on forming “Friends” groups for Rwanda and Burundi. This tranche includes documents concerning refugee relief funds and contributing supplies and troops for UNAMIR. Also included in this tranche are discussions between U.S. officials and the international community, including the French, Belgians, and Rwandans, as well as discussions within the United Nations.
Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns the formation and first meetings of the Rwanda Operational Support Group and discussions concerning a regional refugee conference. This tranche includes material on refugee camp security, conditions of refugee camps in Zaire, repatriation, and the continuing role of the UNAMIR. This tranche also covers meetings between U.S. officials and Rwandan Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu.
Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns Vice President and Minister of Defense Paul Kagame’s visit to the U.S., Rwanda Operational Support meetings, and meetings between U.S. officials and the European Union and the Organization of African Unity. This tranche includes material on consultations with the French and Belgians concerning Zaire and Rwanda; the increased militarization of refugee camps, attempts to close internally displaced person camps; and continuing concerns over Burundi.
Tranche IV – this part of the collection concerns the Bujumbura Regional Conference on Assistance to Refugees, Returnees, and Displaced Persons. This tranche also concerns arms flow to Hutu paramilitary groups and former government forces in refugee camps in Zaire, increased arrests and prison crowding, and tensions between the UNAMIR and the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).
Kibeho and the Government of National Unity
Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns violence within refugee and internally displaced persons camps, including Kibeho; the rearming of Hutu militants; and re-examining the mandate of the UNAMIR. This tranche also contains information on contingency plans for Burundi in the event of another humanitarian disaster.
Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns border security, reports of illegal arms trafficking to former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), and UNAMIR’s new mandate. This tranche includes material on cross-border attacks from Zaire and discussions with the French regarding allegations of French support for former members of the FAR.
Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns the Rwandan arms embargo, the security situation in Burundi, continuing raids from Hutu exiles, and forced repatriation of Rwanda refugees from Zaire. This tranche ends with the reshuffling of the government of Rwanda and resignation/removal of Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu.
