The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) is a political party in Rwanda, founded in 1987 by Rwandan exiles, primarily from the Tutsi ethnic group. The party emerged in response to the political and social challenges faced by Rwandans, particularly during the Rwandan Civil War that began in 1990. The RPF aimed to promote unity and reconciliation among Rwandans and to address issues of governance and human rights. In 1994, the RPF played a crucial role in ending the Rwandan Genocide, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis. After the genocide, the RPF established a new government, with its leader, Paul Kagame, becoming the country's president. The RPF has since focused on rebuilding Rwanda and fostering economic development, while also facing criticism for its authoritarian governance style.