June 12, 1994 marked the 68th day of the 100-day Genocide against the Tutsi, as the genocidal government continued its campaign of extermination while the Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR-Inkotanyi) advanced militarily, liberating areas across the country and rescuing civilians.
On this day, FPR-Inkotanyi forces captured Gitarama City, a key administrative and strategic center, as part of their continued offensive operations aimed at halting the killings and restoring control in different parts of the country.
At the same time, violence against Tutsi civilians persisted in several areas, including Bisesero, where Interahamwe militia continued attacks on displaced civilians who had sought refuge in the hills.
Internationally, the 30th session of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was underway in Tunisia. The Rwandan government was represented by President Sindikubwabo, while the FPR-Inkotanyi were not invited to attend the summit.
During the same period, international attention on the genocide was increasing, with media reports highlighting growing recognition of the scale of atrocities in Rwanda and debates over the appropriate characterization of the violence.
In Kigali, Interahamwe militia reportedly carried out attacks in Nyamirambo on June 10 at St. Charles Lwanga Parish, where Tutsi civilians, including children, were killed.
Meanwhile, elements of the interim government reportedly fled to Gisenyi as the political and security situation continued to deteriorate across the country.
