July 5, 1973 military takes control of key points: government institutions and offices, Radio Rwanda station.
Gregoire Kayibanda is removed from power without fighting
Public announcement made on Rwanda national radio:
Government disolved, consitution suspended
Juvenal Habyarimana declares that he has taken power
On July 4, 1973 Coup d’État, final coordination among senior military officers. Army units quietly placed on alert (no public announcement). No major public clashes reported, but tension is high. Kayibanda remains quiet and isolated.
Situation remains uncertain but coup d’etat essentially decided.
Continued unrest and intimidation especially in the education sector.
Increasing pressure within government and army circles.
Lack of respect for President Kayibanda expressed by microphone sabotage and radio silence during his July 1, Independence day speech.
Reports of political infighting as exemplified by bar fight between Alphonse Hakizimana, a lower level government official from the north (Ruhengeri) who admittedly slapped Minister Froduard Minani from the south (Gitarama) in the face in the night of June 30, 1973.
Before the July 5, 1973 Coup d’État, the country was experiencing increasing political instability. Tensions rose as different factions and military figures maneuvered for control, setting the stage for the eventual military takeover.
Anti-Tutsi violence in schools and public institutions fueled by military officers and government officials from the North planning a coup d’État. The Kayibanda government struggles to restore order.