[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[April 7, 1994]
[Page 635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Deaths of Leaders of Rwanda and Burundi
April 7, 1994

    I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of 
President Juvenal Habyarimana of Rwanda and President Cyprien Nyaryamira 
of Burundi last night in a plane crash outside Kigali, Rwanda. The two 
Presidents were returning from a regional summit in Arusha, Tanzania, 
intended to bring an end to the civil wars that have plagued their two 
countries for more than three decades.
    Both Presidents were seeking means to end the bloodshed in their 
troubled countries and facilitate a movement toward peace and democracy. 
Their deaths are a tragic blow to the long-suffering Rwandan and 
Burundian people.
    I am equally horrified that elements of the Rwandan security forces 
have sought out and murdered Rwandan officials, including the Prime 
Minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana.
    On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my 
condolences to the families of the deceased Presidents and the Prime 
Minister as well as to the peoples of the two nations.
    I strongly condemn these actions and I call on all parties to cease 
any such actions immediately. These tragedies must not derail Rwanda and 
Burundi from pursuing national reconciliation and democracy.