In previous articles in this series on Rwanda's transition from trusteeship to independence, we examined how the United Nations (UN) and Belgium diverged in their visions for the country’s future. While the UN advocated for a unified Rwanda, Belgium adhered to its policy of divide and rule, seeking to maintain control through proxies. This division sowed discord, creating a fertile ground for manipulation. In previous articles, we highlighted the demands of the tripartite group comprising UNAR, RADER, and King Kigeli V, who submitted a memorandum to the UN Commission addressing the future of Rwanda-Urundi. However, their requests were dismissed by parties aligned with the trusteeship administration. This led to heated debates, culminating in the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of two resolutions: the organisation of a conference before elections and a referendum to decide the fate of the monarchy. Belgium, as the trusteeship authority, resisted these resolutions, leveraging its on-ground influence to thwart the UN’s recommendations. To feign compliance, Belgium organised a symposium in Ostend, Belgium, from January 7-12, 1961, under UN auspices. Representatives from political parties in Rwanda and Burundi discussed three key issues: the timing of parliamentary elections, shared services between Rwanda and Burundi, and reconciliation in Rwanda. Despite these efforts, divisions remained. PARMEHUTU, APROSOMA, and the interim government opposed postponing elections beyond January. On reconciliation, discussions yielded no solutions, disappointing the UN Commission. The organisers’ preconceived notions became evident as the majority opposed election delays in both Rwanda and Burundi. In Rwanda, conference members reportedly demanded the abolition of the monarchy, further fueling disagreements. The Ostend meeting, like earlier attempts, ended in a deadlock, yet parliamentary elections were postponed until 1961. Following the Ostend conference, internal autonomy was granted to Rwanda through Ordinance 02/16 on January 25, 1961. This development rendered further negotiations unnecessary, as the national council and the interim government, dominated by PARMEHUTU, assumed control. Hutu leaders, including the special resident Colonel Logiest and Minister of Interior Jean Baptiste Rwasibo, convened a meeting on January 28, 1961, attended by all Burgomasters and councillors. Officially, the agenda focused on public order. However, PARMEHUTU and APROSOMA leaders steered the meeting towards declaring Rwanda a republic and establishing new institutions. Dominique Mbonyumutwa was named president, Gitera chaired a 44-seat legislature, and Grégoire Kayibanda was tasked with forming a government. A symbolic constitution was enacted but not officially gazetted or recognized by the trusteeship authority. A Supreme Court, chaired by Isidore Nzeyimana, was established to operate post-independence. Meanwhile, the UN investigation mission evolved into a commission of information, exposing the complicity between Hutu parties and local Belgian authorities. On March 27, 1961, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 1605, condemning Belgium’s trusteeship practices. It mandated elections in August 1961, the establishment of a transitional broad-based government, and the dismissal of the interim authority. None of these measures materialized. Instead, the actions orchestrated by PARMEHUTU and APROSOMA came to be known as the coup d'état of Gitarama.
