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The talks were initially orchestrated by both the United States and France beginning on July 12 under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity. The goals of the talk included reducing the power of then president Juvenal Habyarimana, open the government to a more democratic system, and better protection of human rights. The framework consisted of a new Broad Based Transitional Government (BBTG) until proper elections could be held.
Despite the initial success of the accord in January there was a deadlock between two major parties, the Mouvement Democratique Républicain and Parti Libéral, obstructing the progress of the BBTG.
Further attempts to make progress were defeated by several assassinations culminating in the assassination of Habyarimana and Burundi President Cyprien Ntaryamira when their plane was shot down approaching the Kigali airport. With the death of Habyarimana the Rwandan genocide began, leaving more than 800,000 Tutsis and sympathizers dead.