The Rwandese Patriotic Front (sometimes referred to as the Rwandan Patriotic Front, abbreviated as RPF) is the current ruling political party of Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame. It governs in a coalition with other parties.
The RPF was founded in 1985 in Uganda. Tutsi refugees from Rwanda had helped overthrow the dictatorship of Milton Obote, but locals resented the presence of the Tutsis in the new Ugandan army. Many of them quit to form the RPF, dedicated to overthrowing the Hutu-led government in Rwanda.
When the Rwandan Genocide began, RPF leader Paul Kagame ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, and its forces seized the government three months later.
Last updated: 05-28-2005 22:44:38
