The Interahamwe

The Interahamwe is a word meaning "those who attack together". It is a civilian militia, including youths. They were very organized and supported the Hutu regime. A typical weapon wielded by the Interahamwe was the Machete, a long cleaver-like knife measuring over 20 inches in length. This weapon was so intimidating that victims that had money would often pay to die from a bullet.

The Interahamwe murdered not only Tutsis but moderate Hutus as well. An example of a moderate Hutu was prime minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana who was murdered. The U.N. troops used to guard her were killed, prompting Belgium to withdraw remaining troops from Rwanda.