History of the Conflict

fifteenth century Tutsis were the rulers of most of today's Rwanda

HUTUS
Farmers Short, stocky Viewed as subhuman

TUTSI
Landowners Cattle owners Tall European features

1918
Belgians gained the land Used the distinction to divide and rule
Identity cards preferential treatment to Tutsis

Beginning of a Social Revolution

Hutus fight for their rights in 1959 20,000 Tutsi killed

200,000 refugees

1967 - 1973
Violence continues on both sides

1990
President Habyarimana (Hutu)

versus
Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)

Habyarimana

1992
The Interahamwe
"those "those who fight together paramilitary Backed by the Hutu Government

Impuzamugambi
"Those who have the same goal Hutu militia

1993
Reduction of Presidential power Shared power Integration of RPF in military

April 6, 1994 - The Catalyst

The Beginnings of Genocide

Cockroaches infested Rwanda and must be eliminated!

The Killings

Machetes weapon of choice

Number Killed
100 days one million people

Issues Post-Genocide
Two million Hutu refugees, most of whom were participants, fled. Thousands died in refugee camps. The refugees have fueled wars in Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC

Questions Still Exist

Why didnt the US do anything?

Questions Still Exist

Why didnt the UN listen to Daillaire?

Questions Still Exist

Why did people kill their neighbors?