The Rwandan Genocide Essay Example
The Rwandan Genocide 1994
Evaluate the causes and significance of the Rwandan Genocide war
“During the one hundred days that began on April 6, 1994, Rwanda experienced the most intensive slaughter in this blood-filled century. It is important that the world know that these killings were not spontaneous or accidental … These events grew from a policy aimed at the systematic destruction of a people.”
Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Central Africa, with a population of just seven million people that is predominantly comprised of two main ethnic groups, the Hutu and the Tutsi. Although the Hutu account for 90% of the population, historically, under Belgian rule, the Tutsi minority was considered the aristocracy of Rwanda and dominated Hutu peasants for decades. Following independence from Belgium in 1962, the Hutu majority seized power and began to reverse the traditional roles, oppressing the Tutsi through systemic discrimination and acts of violence.
This essay attempts to discuss the causes and significance of the Rwandan Genocide war. It will examine the social, political and economic contexts of Rwanda and the response by the international community through the role of the United Nations and give an analysis of how these contributed to the 100 day war. An evaluation of the significance of the war for Rwanda today and of the role of United Nations will be made, in summary.
Traditionally, Tutsi were Rwandan’s ruling class characterised by having access to high levels of education, health, land ownership, social status and wealth. The Tutsi have been described as “a superior caste of aristocrats and the Hutu as their vassals” . This superior social position of the Tutsi was challenged by the Hutu when they came into government after independence from Belgium. This brought about a social behaviour amongst Rwandan Hutu society, which led to formation of extremist groups leading up to the national genocide.
Political tensions were
Evaluate the causes and significance of the Rwandan Genocide war
“During the one hundred days that began on April 6, 1994, Rwanda experienced the most intensive slaughter in this blood-filled century. It is important that the world know that these killings were not spontaneous or accidental … These events grew from a policy aimed at the systematic destruction of a people.”
Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Central Africa, with a population of just seven million people that is predominantly comprised of two main ethnic groups, the Hutu and the Tutsi. Although the Hutu account for 90% of the population, historically, under Belgian rule, the Tutsi minority was considered the aristocracy of Rwanda and dominated Hutu peasants for decades. Following independence from Belgium in 1962, the Hutu majority seized power and began to reverse the traditional roles, oppressing the Tutsi through systemic discrimination and acts of violence.
This essay attempts to discuss the causes and significance of the Rwandan Genocide war. It will examine the social, political and economic contexts of Rwanda and the response by the international community through the role of the United Nations and give an analysis of how these contributed to the 100 day war. An evaluation of the significance of the war for Rwanda today and of the role of United Nations will be made, in summary.
Traditionally, Tutsi were Rwandan’s ruling class characterised by having access to high levels of education, health, land ownership, social status and wealth. The Tutsi have been described as “a superior caste of aristocrats and the Hutu as their vassals” . This superior social position of the Tutsi was challenged by the Hutu when they came into government after independence from Belgium. This brought about a social behaviour amongst Rwandan Hutu society, which led to formation of extremist groups leading up to the national genocide.
Political tensions were