Role Of Colonialism In Rwanda

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
When Hutu fears that the Rwandan Patriot Front was gaining increased power grew, extremist Hutus formed a group called the Interhamwe to resist the RPF. While Hutu president Habyarimana grew desperate to gain support of Hutus following a series of failed promises, he saw an opportunity in the Interhamwe to balance forces and resist the RPF. In 1992, RPF forces mobilized, revolting against the Hutus. Habyarimana took action, trying to silence the RPF, and, as described in Country Torn Apart, “unleashed a campaign of violence against Tutsi civilians.” (Pg. 57). This is significant because it shows the steps that the Interhamwe took to silence political opposition. These campaigns of violence escalated to a higher level of organized killings, and, as described in Country Torn Apart, “about 8000 Tutsis were jailed, tortured, raped, and beaten” (Pg. 57). This evidence is significant because it shows the escalation of conflict between the Interhamwe and the RPF, ultimately leading to the genocide of the Tutsis by the Interhamwe. While this escalation was momentarily paused by the cease-fire declared by Habyarimana, the mysterious plane crash that led to Habvarimana’s death jump-started tension again, and, as described in Country Torn Apart, “The death of the president immediately sent shock waves across
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. While without imperial powers stability may have remained for longer, 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 genocide.
In conclusion, it is clear that there are 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. Despite this, it is apparent that there was not one cause, but instead a melting pot of different issues that spilled over into greater