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, over 800,000 people were brutally killed by the Hutu majority in a genocide.
Within just 100 days of horror, between 800,000 and 1,000,000 lives were lost, leaving families heartbroken and the nation in tears.
Causes of the Rwandan Genocide
- Long-standing Hatred: The deep hatred between the Hutu and Tutsi people was the main cause of the massacre. This hatred had built up over decades due to several factors:
- Colonial Favoritism: Before World War I, Rwanda was colonized by Germany. After the war, Belgium took over. The Belgian rulers created division by favoring the Tutsi for leadership roles, causing resentment among the Hutu. This division was passed down through generations.
- Hutu Coup d’État: In 1973, General Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, overthrew the Tutsi-led government. His anti-Tutsi and pro-Hutu policies worsened the tension, turning the Hutu and Tutsi into bitter enemies.
- Exiled Tutsi Campaign for Return: Under Habyarimana’s rule, many Tutsi were exiled to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. These exiles fought for their right to return home. In 1990, the Tutsi-led Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) invaded Rwanda, leading to a year-long civil war that deepened the division.
- Assassination of President Habyarimana: The turning point came in 1994 when Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, killing him and Burundi’s President Cyprien Ntaryamira. The Hutu blamed the Tutsi, and the genocide began soon after.
Effects of the Genocide
The genocide left lasting scars on survivors, many of whom still battle trauma after witnessing the deaths of their loved ones. Survivors had to rebuild the nation, restoring peace and unity.
Rwanda has since banned 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. Streets were left empty and littered with bodies, creating haunting memories of the dark days.
Overcoming the Effects of the Genocide
Rwanda has worked hard to overcome the impact of the genocide. The country promotes unity through programs like Umuganda, a national clean-up day held on the last Saturday of each month.
On this day, citizens, regardless of background, work together on community projects.
Genocide Memorial Sites
Rwanda has established several genocide memorials to honor the victims and educate future generations about the dangers of hatred and division.
- 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 that detail the events of the Rwandan genocide, as well as genocides in Armenia, Namibia, Europe, and Cambodia. Visitors can reflect and pay their respects to the fallen.
- Belgian Peacekeepers Monument: The Belgian Peacekeepers Monument honors 10 United Nations peacekeepers who were killed during the genocide. Visitors can see the military compound where the killings took place, including evidence of gunfire and the stone pillars used to kill the peacekeepers. Entry is free.
- Campaign Against Genocide Museum: The Campaign Against Genocide Museum commemorates the 600 Rwandan Patriotic Army soldiers who died restoring peace in the country. For 4,500 Rwandan Francs, visitors can learn about the heroic efforts of these soldiers.
- Ntarama Genocide Memorial Church: This church was a refuge for 5,000 people who were ultimately killed inside. Visitors can see haunting evidence, including skulls, bones, blood-stained walls, and damaged windows and bricks. It is a powerful yet heart-wrenching site.
Dark Tourism in Rwanda
Rwanda’s dark tourism is not about thrill-seeking but about remembering and respecting the genocide victims. The country has preserved killing and burial sites in their original state as memorials. These sites serve as reminders of the consequences of hatred and division.
Visitors can explore places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyanza, Nyamata, and Murambi genocide sites. These quiet spaces offer time for reflection and remembrance of the lives lost.
