Party for Hutu Emancipation

The Party for Hutu Emancipation (Parti du Mouvement de l'Emancipation du Peuple Hutu) was a political party in Rwanda that emerged as a significant force in the lead-up to the country's independence. Spearheaded by Grégoire Kayibanda, it was instrumental in a peasant revolt that transformed into an organized movement aiming to overthrow the monarchy and place political power in Hutu hands.1

Following communal elections in 1960, which saw a large transfer of power to Hutu individuals at the local level, and a coup in January 1961 with Belgian approval, an all-Hutu provisional government was established. By the time Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, the revolution had largely concluded, leading to a significant exodus of Tutsi people from the country.1