RWANDA THE HUTUS & THE TUTSIS

History of Violence Belgian colonists arrived in 1916 and saw two distinct groups Belgian colonists arrived in 1916 and saw two distinct groups Actually the groups were very similar: same language, same areas, same traditions Actually the groups were very similar: same language, same areas, same traditions Forced them to carry identity cards. Forced them to carry identity cards.

Tutsis vs. Hutus Tutsis Tutsis 10 plus cows 10 plus cows Better jobs Better jobs Better education Better education Hutus Hutus Majority population Resented the Tutsis 1962 took power when Belgians left

How were they different? The difference between the Hutu and Tutsi was the size of the nose and the color of your eyes The difference between the Hutu and Tutsi was the size of the nose and the color of your eyes Belgium Government imposed these classifications Belgium Government imposed these classifications

Background 1962 Hutu and Tutsis in Rwanda gained their independence from Belgium Hutu and Tutsis in Rwanda gained their independence from Belgium. Violence between Hutus and Tutsis erupted Violence between Hutus and Tutsis erupted

Understand in detail … The Hutus and Tutsis weren’t allowed to be in the same political parties or organizations as each other The Hutus and Tutsis weren’t allowed to be in the same political parties or organizations as each other The newspapers and radio programs warned that the Tutsis would take over Rwanda and enslave and murder all the Hutus The newspapers and radio programs warned that the Tutsis would take over Rwanda and enslave and murder all the Hutus

Tragedy Economic tensions in Rwanda Economic tensions in Rwanda RPF – Rwandan Patriotic Front was formed RPF – Rwandan Patriotic Front was formed Pres. Habyarimana used this to unify the Hutus against the Tutsis Pres. Habyarimana used this to unify the Hutus against the Tutsis April 1994 Habyarimana’s plane was shot down and the Genocide began April 1994 Habyarimana’s plane was shot down and the Genocide began

Understanding in detail … Political opposition was murdered Used radio message to signal the attacks Soldiers and police encouraged civilians to kill Tutsi neighbors – offered them the land of the victims

Impact on the World 800,000 people died in a time frame of 100 days 800,000 people died in a time frame of 100 days In July the RPF captured the capital – Kigali and declared a ceasefire In July the RPF captured the capital – Kigali and declared a ceasefire Refugee crisis of Hutus fleeing Refugee crisis of Hutus fleeing

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A multi-ethnic government was established promising refugees a safe return to Rwanda Massacres over but legacy continues, search for justice difficult 500 people sentenced to death and 100,000 people are in prison

Aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda

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