Rwanda: A Melting Pot of Issues
The Rwandan genocide was an atrocity that marked an age of unrest and violence in Central Africa. A nation unbalanced for years had finally imploded, leading to the mass murder of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis. This genocide was the result of multiple things, creating instability, and unbalancing the relationship between the Tutsis and the Hutus. Tensions built up for decades were finally released. While many would blame Belgium, Germany, and colonization for catalyzing the genocide, there were many other factors involved, including structural oppression, the rise of the Rwandan Patriot Front, and most notably propaganda spread by the Rwandan Radio; proving that while colonialism may have played a large role …show more content…
While colonization may have attributed to a significant portion of Hutu and Tutsi polarization, it is clear that eventually, tensions would grow to a level in which one of the groups would rebel. And, while the rise of the RPF may have been due to Hutu expulsion of Tutsi’s as a result of colonization, it is clear Habyarimana was not a leader capable of holding a country together. Without imperial powers, stability may have remained for longer, however, a collapse in order between the Hutus and the Tutsis was inevitable, especially during the times of economic collapse that occurred as a result of coffee price drops. While colonialism may have been a big cause, it is foolish to assume it was the only cause of the …show more content…
These propaganda methods encouraged violence between the Hutus and the Tutsis, driving Hutus to kill and commit violent acts against the ‘worthless rats’ of society. Because Rwanda had such a high rate of illiteracy, Radio Rwanda served as the perfect propaganda tool, and, according to Country Torn Apart, “In 1994 Hutu extremists used both stations to create a climate of hysteria, warning people about the RPF and urging them to pick up weapons and fight.” (Pg. 63). This quotation shows that these radio stations were useful tools for creating a climate of fear, driving Hutu civilians to commit acts they would previously deem unspeakable. Propaganda and radio were significant and contributed to the start of the genocide because they acted as tools to rally the Hutus, allowing them to be more efficient when organization mass killings, and ultimately removing the distinction between civilian and soldier.
In conclusion, it is clear that there were many contributing factors that acted as a catalyst to the Rwandan genocide. During a time where political instability was the only type of political structure, it is apparent that the rise of anti-political groups, propaganda meant to influence civilians towards taking a side, and colonial oppression causing a polarizing between the Hutus and Tutsis, all played a large role in the start of the genocide, and,
The Rwandan genocide was an atrocity that marked an age of unrest and violence in Central Africa. A nation unbalanced for years had finally imploded, leading to the mass murder of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis. This genocide was the result of multiple things, creating instability, and unbalancing the relationship between the Tutsis and the Hutus. Tensions built up for decades were finally released. While many would blame Belgium, Germany, and colonization for catalyzing the genocide, there were many other factors involved, including structural oppression, the rise of the Rwandan Patriot Front, and most notably propaganda spread by the Rwandan Radio; proving that while colonialism may have played a large role …show more content…
While colonization may have attributed to a significant portion of Hutu and Tutsi polarization, it is clear that eventually, tensions would grow to a level in which one of the groups would rebel. And, while the rise of the RPF may have been due to Hutu expulsion of Tutsi’s as a result of colonization, it is clear Habyarimana was not a leader capable of holding a country together. Without imperial powers, stability may have remained for longer, however, a collapse in order between the Hutus and the Tutsis was inevitable, especially during the times of economic collapse that occurred as a result of coffee price drops. While colonialism may have been a big cause, it is foolish to assume it was the only cause of the …show more content…
These propaganda methods encouraged violence between the Hutus and the Tutsis, driving Hutus to kill and commit violent acts against the ‘worthless rats’ of society. Because Rwanda had such a high rate of illiteracy, Radio Rwanda served as the perfect propaganda tool, and, according to Country Torn Apart, “In 1994 Hutu extremists used both stations to create a climate of hysteria, warning people about the RPF and urging them to pick up weapons and fight.” (Pg. 63). This quotation shows that these radio stations were useful tools for creating a climate of fear, driving Hutu civilians to commit acts they would previously deem unspeakable. Propaganda and radio were significant and contributed to the start of the genocide because they acted as tools to rally the Hutus, allowing them to be more efficient when organization mass killings, and ultimately removing the distinction between civilian and soldier.
In conclusion, it is clear that there were many contributing factors that acted as a catalyst to the Rwandan genocide. During a time where political instability was the only type of political structure, it is apparent that the rise of anti-political groups, propaganda meant to influence civilians towards taking a side, and colonial oppression causing a polarizing between the Hutus and Tutsis, all played a large role in the start of the genocide, and,