In the early 1970s, Rwanda was experiencing political and economic turmoil under the leadership of the National Revolutionary Movement for Development. Discontent among military leaders and the general populace was brewing due to failing governance and social divisions. Juvénal Habyarimana, a military officer who previously served as Minister of Defense, capitalized on this unrest. On July 5, 1973, he orchestrated a coup d'état, effectively removing the then-president Grégoire Kayibanda from power. Habyarimana's military took control swiftly, with the coup being marked by a lack of significant violence, which stood out compared to other upheavals in the region.After seizing power, Habyarimana established a new government, portraying himself as a stabilizing figure committed to national unity and development. He promoted policies that aimed to foster economic growth and reduce ethnic tensions, although the latter would become contentious later in his rule. Over the next decade, Habyarimana's leadership solidified an autocratic regime characterized by suppression of dissent and political opposition, which eventually laid the groundwork for future conflict in the nation. His rule would be marked by substantial changes in Rwandan society, many of which would have lasting implications.