The Rwandan Genocide
The Rwandan Genocide was a major and bloody conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi in Rwanda. In my original poem “What Took the People of Rwanda?” the Hutu are referred mainly to as “the mighty,” for they were the majority in Rwanda. The Tutsi are referred to as “the weak” because they were the minority. The poem begins with “two boys,” or two ethnic groups, “stand[ing] against each other… because of times long ago not yet forgotten.” This is in reference to the past when the Tutsi ruled Rwanda in a way that was viewed as harsh to the Hutu. On April 6, 1994, a plane containing the Hutu leader of Rwanda at the time, Juvenal Habyarimana, and the president of Burundi, Cyprien Ntaryamira, was shot down leaving no survivors. This further moved
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As the poem continues, it refers to “the powers of the world” and “the kings and queens.” Both of these represent the governments and rulers outside of Rwanda. During this time period, many countries were unaware or simply ignored the genocide that was taking place in Rwanda. The poem mentions that they “do not know” and “cannot see” the turmoil that was taking place. An article published by the United Human Rights Council entitled “Genocide in Rwanda” stated about the issue, “…the leading foreign actors refused to acknowledge the genocide. Not only did international leaders reject what was going on, but they also declined for weeks to use their political and moral authority to challenge the legitimacy of the genocidal government.” Countries didn’t even try to help the Tutsi. However, when they finally started pay attention to Rwanda, the war and genocide was over. In July 1994, the RPF took control of Rwanda, which is illustrated in “What Took the People of Rwanda?” when it says, “Finally, the day is won, the weak [Tutsi or RPF] prevail.” Following these words the poem continues, “…but at what cost? How many have lost brothers and sisters? Lost mothers and …show more content…
Web. October 07, 2015. http://www.unitedhumanrights.org/genocide/genocide_in_rwanda.htm
History.com Staff. “The Rwandan Genocide.” History.com. A+E Networks. 2009. Web. October 06, 2015. http://www.history.com/topics/rwandan-genocide
“Rwanda genocide: 100 days of slaughter.” bbc.com. BBC News. 7 April 2014. Web. October 12, 2015.
As the poem continues, it refers to “the powers of the world” and “the kings and queens.” Both of these represent the governments and rulers outside of Rwanda. During this time period, many countries were unaware or simply ignored the genocide that was taking place in Rwanda. The poem mentions that they “do not know” and “cannot see” the turmoil that was taking place. An article published by the United Human Rights Council entitled “Genocide in Rwanda” stated about the issue, “…the leading foreign actors refused to acknowledge the genocide. Not only did international leaders reject what was going on, but they also declined for weeks to use their political and moral authority to challenge the legitimacy of the genocidal government.” Countries didn’t even try to help the Tutsi. However, when they finally started pay attention to Rwanda, the war and genocide was over. In July 1994, the RPF took control of Rwanda, which is illustrated in “What Took the People of Rwanda?” when it says, “Finally, the day is won, the weak [Tutsi or RPF] prevail.” Following these words the poem continues, “…but at what cost? How many have lost brothers and sisters? Lost mothers and …show more content…
Web. October 07, 2015. http://www.unitedhumanrights.org/genocide/genocide_in_rwanda.htm
History.com Staff. “The Rwandan Genocide.” History.com. A+E Networks. 2009. Web. October 06, 2015. http://www.history.com/topics/rwandan-genocide
“Rwanda genocide: 100 days of slaughter.” bbc.com. BBC News. 7 April 2014. Web. October 12, 2015.