Unit VIII: Genocide Objective: #4 Topic: Rwandan Genocide

I. Colonialism A. Berlin Conference (1884-1885) 1. Kingdom of Rwanda becomes part of German East Africa B. Treaty of Versailles (1919) 1. Germany lost colony 2. Belgium gained Rwanda as a mandate C. Life Under Belgium (1919-1962) 1. Hierarchy of native groups was maintained  Tutsi: 12% of population; belonged to aristocracy; privileged  Hutu: 82% of population; farmers; treated like 2nd class citizens 2. Ethnic violence occurred often Excerpt from Ghosts of Rwanda D. Independence (1962) 1. Rwanda gained its independence ● Hutus gained control of the government and began oppressing Tutsis

Belgian colonialists believed Tutsis were a naturally superior nobility, descended from the Israelite tribe of Ham. Belgians distinguished between Hutus and Tutsis by nose size, height & eye type. Another indicator to distinguish Hutu farmers from Tutsi pastoralists was the number of cattle owned.

II. Path to Genocide A. Background 1. (1962-1966): army of Tutsis in exile tried repeatedly to invade and take back power  Hutu government increased repression of Tutsi B. Military Coup (1973) 1. General Juvénal Habyarimana takes over and becomes president C. Rwandan Patriotic Front 1. Founded by exiled Tutsis 2. Tried unsuccessfully to invade Rwanda  Tutsis were imprisoned and massacred

III. Genocide A. Background 1. RPF and the Hutu government signed a peace agreement (1993) ● UN sent peacekeepers, led by Gen. Romeo Dallaire, were sent to assist 2. April 6, 1994, President Habyarimana was assassinated ● RPF was blamed B. Atrocities (April –July 1994) 1. Encouraged by the government  “Kill the cockroaches!” 2. The Interahamwe carried out acts of violence 3. Homes and villages were destroyed 4. Women and girls were raped 5. About 800,000 Tutsis were killed in 100 days C. Response 1. International community took no action ● UN had no power to intervene 2. Paul Rusesabagina  Hutu, hotel manager who saved 1,200 refugees ● His efforts became the subject of the film, Hotel Rwanda

Kangura Newspaper, Rwanda: “The Solution for Tutsi Cockroaches”

IV. Justice A. Background 1. Genocide ended when RPF invaded the country (July 1994) 2. Paul Kagame, former RPF leader, is now president B. UNICTR Trials (1997-present) 1. Held in Tanzania 2. Over 20 people have been convicted, including: ● General Augustin Bizimungu (sentenced to 30 years) ● Pauline Nyiramasuhuko *- convicted of genocide - sentenced to life C. Gacaca courts: 1. Community courts where those who participated in the genocide are tried ● over 1 million cases heard D. “Genocide Ideology” 1. Outlaws anything that might reignite hatred (ex. “What’s your tribe?”)

JA: Time-line of Rwandan Genocide Directions: Create a time-line of 5 significant events covered today. List the date(s), event, and an appropriate colored symbol or picture.