The United Nations launched its peacekeeping mission for Rwanda in
October 1993 to monitor a cease-fire agreement between the
Rwandan Hutu government and the rebel Rwandese Patriotic Front.
The mission, which was not allowed to use military force to achieve
its aims, was limited to investigating breaches in the cease-fire,
helping humanitarian aid deliveries and contributing to the security of
the capital, Kigali.
The mission proved insufficient after the government launched the
slaughter of an estimated 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate
Hutus following the downing of the Rwandan president's plane on April
6, 1994.
