History of Rwanda September 1961, a referendum was held to establish whether Rwanda should become a republic or remain a kingdom. Citizens voted overwhelmingly for a republic. After parliamentary elections held on the same day, the first Rwandese Republic was declared, with Kayibanda as prime minister. Dominique Mbonyumutwa was named the first president of the transitional government. Between 1961 and 1962, Tutsi guerrilla groups staged attacks into Rwanda from neighboring countries. Rwandan Hutu-based troops responded, and thousands more were killed in the clashes. On 1 July 1962, Belgium, with UN oversight, granted full independence to the two countries. Rwanda was created as a
Presbyterian Church in Rwanda Presbyterian Church in Rwanda The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda has around 300'000 followers. The Church was founded in 1907. This year, Germans from the Bethel Mission accompanied by Tanzanians come to Rwanda. After the departure of the German missionaries at the end of the First World War, they were replaced by Swiss and Belgians and later Dutch missionaries. Until 1957 the Church activities were concentrated in three main locations: Kirinda, Rubengera and Remera. The Church became independent in 1959 and changed its name to the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. They abandoned the term "Evangelical" as they did not want to