How could the Rwandan genocide happen? - BBC Africa

Summary

This script explores the 1994 Rwandan genocide, detailing the ethnic tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis and the systematic violence that led to the deaths of 800,000 people in just 100 days. It covers the background of Rwanda's ethnic groups, the political upheavals leading up to the genocide, and the failure of the international community to intervene. The genocide's organization, the role of propaganda, and the aftermath are discussed, including the rise of Paul Kagame and the current political climate in Rwanda. The script also touches on the ongoing challenges of justice and reconciliation in the country.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Rwandan Genocide occurred over 100 days in 1994, where nearly 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were slaughtered by ethnic Hutu extremists.
• 😀 Rwanda's population consists primarily of two ethnic groups: Hutus (85%) and Tutsis (15%). Despite being a minority, Tutsis had long held power before colonization.
• 😀 Prior to European colonization, Tutsis were aristocratic cattle herders, while Hutus were primarily peasant farmers, both groups sharing the same language and being predominantly Christian.
• 😀 In 1959, the Hutus overthrew the Tutsi monarchy, leading to tens of thousands of Tutsis fleeing to neighboring countries, including Uganda.
• 😀 In the 1980s, Tutsi refugees formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) with the aim of overthrowing the Hutu President and returning to Rwanda.
• 😀 The RPF's invasion in 1990 was followed by a 1993 peace accord with Hutu President Habyarimana, but the agreement failed to end tensions.
• 😀 The assassination of President Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, triggered the genocide, with Hutu extremists blaming the RPF and immediately initiating the violence.
• 😀 The genocide was meticulously organized, with militias given lists of targets, and neighbors turning against neighbors. Some even killed their own family members to avoid being killed.
• 😀 The international community, including the UN and major powers like the US and France, failed to intervene or stop the genocide, despite warnings.
• 😀 The violence was carried out using propaganda from radio stations and newspapers, which dehumanized the Tutsis as 'cockroaches' to incite hatred and violence.
• 😀 The genocide ended in July 1994 when the RPF seized Kigali, leading to a ceasefire, but many Hutus fled across borders, fearing revenge attacks from the RPF.
• 😀 After the genocide, Rwanda's RPF-led government oversaw significant economic growth, but President Kagame's regime has faced criticism for its lack of tolerance for political dissent and alleged human rights abuses.

Q & A

What caused the Rwandan genocide in 1994?

The Rwandan genocide in 1994 was triggered by the assassination of President Habyarimana when his plane was shot down on April 6. This event sparked a well-organized campaign of violence by Hutu extremists against the Tutsi population, leading to the deaths of approximately 800,000 people.

What were the ethnic divisions in Rwanda before the genocide?

Rwanda's population was divided mainly into two ethnic groups: the Hutus, who made up 85% of the population, and the Tutsis, a minority. Historically, Tutsis were mostly cattle herders and aristocratic, while Hutus were primarily peasant farmers. The two groups shared the same language and were predominantly Christian.

How did colonialism affect the ethnic divisions in Rwanda?

Colonial powers, particularly the Belgians, exacerbated ethnic divisions in Rwanda by favoring the Tutsi minority, granting them privileges over the Hutus. This created resentment and tension, which eventually led to the Hutu-led revolution in 1959 and the overthrow of the Tutsi monarchy.

What was the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and what was its goal?

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) was a rebel group formed in Uganda by Tutsi refugees, supported by some moderate Hutus. Their goal was to overthrow the Hutu government of President Habyarimana and to secure the right of return for Tutsi refugees to Rwanda.

Why was the peace accord signed in 1993 unable to stop the violence?

The peace accord signed in 1993 between the Hutu government and the RPF failed to prevent further violence due to ongoing unrest and the inability of both sides to trust each other. The assassination of President Habyarimana in 1994 ignited the violence, unraveling the fragile peace.

How did the international community respond to the genocide?

The international community, including the United Nations and Western countries like the US and France, largely failed to intervene effectively during the genocide. The UN mission in Rwanda lacked a mandate to stop the killings, and international powers hesitated to intervene due to previous failures in other African conflicts, like Somalia.

What role did the media play in the Rwandan genocide?

The media, particularly radio stations and newspapers, played a significant role in inciting violence by broadcasting hate propaganda that dehumanized the Tutsis, referring to them as 'cockroaches' and urging people to kill them. This created an environment where widespread violence could occur.

How did the genocide become so organized?

The genocide was meticulously organized by the Hutu extremists who handed out hit lists and weapons to local militias. They set up roadblocks to identify and kill Tutsis, and violence was coordinated at the district level, with instructions coming from the top government officials.

What happened after the RPF took control of Rwanda in 1994?

After the RPF seized Kigali and took control of Rwanda on July 4, 1994, two million Hutus fled to neighboring countries, fearing revenge. The RPF declared a ceasefire and established a new government, but human rights organizations accuse the RPF of committing killings of Hutu civilians both during and after the conflict.

How did Rwanda rebuild after the genocide?

After the genocide, Rwanda, under the leadership of Paul Kagame and the RPF, focused on rapid economic growth and social development. The country has since been praised for its economic recovery and transformation into a technological hub, though Kagame's critics argue that his government suppresses dissent.