Journal What is Genocide? Briefly explain the conflict between the Hutus and the Tutsis in Rwanda in the 90s.

Genocide in Rwanda Aim: Why did Genocide occur in Rwanda in 1994 and what were its effects?

What role does the United Nations have in Stopping Genocide? After WWII the world vowed never to allow another genocide to occur. United Nations: Organization of 192 nations charged with maintaining peace in the world and mediating global conflicts.

The legal definition of genocide as defined by the Genocide Convention is: “Acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: Killing members of the group; Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; Creating living conditions of the group with the intent to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group” ~ Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Article 2

Genocide occurred again in Rwandan in 1994 WHY?

Rwanda is a small country in Central Africa

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa.

I. Colonialism The Belgian's (remember king Leopold) took control over Rwanda after WWI. They ruled the country as brutal oppressors.

II. Hutus and Tutsis After WWI Belgium gained control of Rwanda. In order to strengthen control Belgium divided Rwanda’s unified population Into two groups: Hutus and Tutsis.

III. Hutus and Tutsis Under Belgium Control Tutsi’s (approx 15% of the population) were more favored because they were considered to be more “white” looking.

IV. Discrimination and Colonialism Under Colonialism Hutus, who make up 85% of Rwanda’ pop. were denied: higher education land ownership positions in government.

Only Tutsi’s could attend schools…

V. Independence and Hutu Rule IN 1959, violence erupted between Hutus and Tutsis. Hutus overthrew Tutsi rule and declared an independent Rwanda. Mass killings of Tutsis occurred during this time period…hinting of things to come. Hutus used the same system of racial oppression that existed during colonialism.

Rwandan Independence

VI. The Spark Rising tensions based on racial divisions and oppression set the stage for genocide. Tutsi rebels began to gather forces. Hutu officials began preparation to carry out massive genocide. On 1994 the Rwandan President Habyarmana was killed when his plane was shot down. Hutu’s blamed Tutsi rebels and the Genocide began.

The genocide was planned and carried out through orchestrated public opinion campaigns using radio, television, newspapers, and other hate propaganda.

Rwandan Genocide Rwanda Genocide: In 1994, after a long process of planning and preparation, the Hutu majority launched an intense period of systematic killings of Tutsis in the small African country of Rwanda.



Genocide In less than 100 days, nearly one million people were killed. That is nearly twice the entire population of Washington DC.

Activity Reading: Valentina’s Story Clip: Ghosts of Rwanda