The saying “A genocide begins with the killing of one man for who he is, not for what he has done” describes what happened to the Tutsi people in Rwanda.
In 1994, hundreds of thousands of people were killed by extremist elements of the Hutu majority in a genocide against the Tutsi.
Within just 100 days, between 800,000 and 1,000,000 lives were lost, leaving families devastated and the nation in mourning.
Causes of the Rwandan Genocide
Long-standing tension: Deep tension between the Hutu and Tutsi communities was the underlying cause of the violence. This tension had built up over decades, shaped by several factors.
Colonial favoritism: Before World War I, Rwanda was colonized by Germany. After the war, Belgium took over administration. The Belgian colonial authorities favored the Tutsi for leadership roles, creating resentment among the Hutu. This division carried forward through generations.
1973 coup: In 1973, General Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, overthrew the Tutsi-led government. His policies, favoring Hutu interests over Tutsi ones, deepened the divide between the two communities.
Exiled Tutsi campaign for return: Under Habyarimana’s rule, many Tutsi were exiled to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. These exiles campaigned for the right to return home. In 1990, the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) entered Rwanda, leading to a civil war that further deepened the divide.
Assassination of President Habyarimana: The turning point came in 1994, when Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, killing him along with Burundi’s President Cyprien Ntaryamira. In the aftermath, the genocide began.
Effects of the Genocide
The genocide left lasting scars on survivors, many of whom continue to carry the weight of what they witnessed. Survivors were left to help rebuild the nation, restoring peace and unity in its aftermath.
Rwanda has since moved away from official ethnic labels like Hutu and Tutsi, identifying all citizens simply as Rwandans.
The genocide also caused a mass exodus, with over 2 million people fleeing to neighboring countries in its wake.
Overcoming the Effects of the Genocide
Rwanda has worked hard to rebuild in the decades since the genocide. The country promotes unity through programs like Umuganda, a national community clean-up day held on the last Saturday of each month.
On this day, citizens from all backgrounds come together to work on community projects.
Genocide Memorial Sites
Kigali Genocide Memorial Site: The Kigali Genocide Memorial Site is a resting place for over 250,000 victims. It offers free entry to visitors, with exhibits detailing the events of the Rwandan genocide, as well as other genocides around the world. Visitors can reflect and pay their respects to those who were lost.
Belgian Peacekeepers Monument: The Belgian Peacekeepers Monument honors 10 United Nations peacekeepers who were killed during the genocide. Visitors can see the site where the killings took place. Entry is free.
Campaign Against Genocide Museum: The Campaign Against Genocide Museum commemorates the Rwandan Patriotic Army soldiers who died working to restore peace in the country. For a small entry fee, visitors can learn about their efforts.
Ntarama Genocide Memorial Church: This church was a refuge for thousands of people who were ultimately killed inside. Visitors can see preserved evidence of what took place there. It is a solemn and difficult site to visit.
Reflective Tourism in Rwanda
Visits to Rwanda’s genocide memorial sites are not about spectacle, but about remembering and honoring the victims. The country has preserved a number of sites in their original state as memorials, serving as lasting reminders of what hatred and division can lead to.
Visitors can also visit places like Nyanza, Nyamata, and Murambi. These are quiet spaces intended for reflection and remembrance of the lives lost.
