By April 1994 , the power-sharing agreement between the Hutu-dominated Rwandan government and Paul Kagame 's Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front ( RPF ) is breaking down as President Juvénal Habyarimana is viewed by Hutus to be conceding too far in favor of the Tutsis . Augustin and Xavier gradually come to the distressing realization that the military is preparing for targeted killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus on the behest of Hutu extremists in the government , but Augustin insists on taking the position of a moderate and remaining in the country to Jeanne 's disapproval , despite history of anti-Tutsi violence by hardline Hutus earlier in the Rwandan Civil War and warnings from Honoré that violent action from Hutu extremists may recur . On the night of April 6 , Habyarimana is killed when his plane is shot down , reigniting the civil war and signaling the start of mass killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by génocidaires comprising pro-Hutu government soldiers and militiamen backed by Hutu extremists , who were prior civilians , indoctrinated by Hutu Power propaganda ; the following morning , Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana is assassinated by government soldiers . In response to the outbreak of violence , Xavier and Felicie seek refuge at Augustin 's home
his plane is shot down
Assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira
Sometimes in April