Rwanda: Kigali

2012/12/17

Kigali, with people of almost 1 million (2009), is the capital and major city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre of the country. The city has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. The major residence and offices of the President of Rwanda are located in the city, as are the government ministries. The city is coterminous with the province of Kigali City, which was enlarged in January 2006, as part of local government reorganisation in the country. The city's urban area covers about 70% of the municipal boundaries.The city people has varied around the national percentages: Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15% and Twa (Pygmy) at 1%

Kigali was founded in 1907 under German colonial policy, but did not become the capital until Rwandan independence in 1962. The traditional capital was the seat of the mwami (king) in Nyanza, while the colonial seat of power was in Butare, then known as Astrida. Butare was initially the leading contender to be the capital of the new independent country, but Kigali was chosen because of its additional central location. Since then the city has grown very quickly and is now the major political, economic and cultural centre of Rwanda.

Central Kigali

Mount Kigali and of the northern suburbs
Beginning on April 6, 1994, Kigali was the scene of the Rwandan Genocide – the slaughter of approximately million Tutsi and moderate Hutu by Hutu militias (interahamwe), and some members of the Rwandan army. There was fierce fighting between the army (mostly Hutu) and Tutsi-dominated Rwandese Patriotic Front. Although damaged, the city's structure has recovered.

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