Rwanda A Story of Genocide
Background Small African nation Two ethnic groups lived in Rwanda: Hutus and Tutsis Generally lived peacefully until the Europeans came
Background Hutus Majority - 80% Migrated from southern Africa Generally found themselves as laborers and farmers
Background Tutsis Minority - 15% Migrated from Northern Africa (Egypt) Generally found themselves as the elite and political rulers
Background German colony until 1918 (end of WWI) Belgium took it over Put Tutsis in charge Handed out “ethnic identity cards” Education only open to Tutsis Hutus could only be laborers or low level workers
Independence Once Belgium granted independence, Hutu majority took control Persecuted the Tutsis, many fled to neighboring countries
Civil War Tutsi rebel group (RPF) formed in neighboring countries and invaded Rwanda Hutu president compromises with Tutsis and agrees to share power (ARUSHA ACCORDS) 2500 United Nations troops sent to Rwanda to help keep peace
Assassination Unhappy with power sharing agreement, Hutu extremists start planning genocide On April 6, 1994, Rwandan President Habiyarimana was assassinated Hutu extremists (Interahamwe) began killing Tutsis