Research and Describe the Cause of Rwanda Genocide (Term Paper Sample)

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Rwanda Massacre
Prior to 1994 Rwanda had a population of about 7 million. 85% of this population was made up of Hutu community, Tutsi and Twa communities comprised 14% and 1% respectively. Basically, Hutus were laborers whereas Tutsi were landowners (Billy B pg, 1). Genocide in Rwanda was described as an ethnic war between the two dominant groups, Hutu and Tutsi, due to competition for power and land.
The genesis of Rwandan massacre can be traced back to the colonial rule which was marked by unequal treatment between the two main communities. The Belgian administration favored the Tutsi over Hutu in terms in employment and education. This administration also introduced identification cards to discriminate against different ethnic communities (Walter C. Soderlund, pg 95). These activities only intensified tension between the two communities.
The civil war of 1959 led to overthrowing of Tutsi King led by Hutu rebel also fueled hatred. The new government led by Hutu killed thousands of Tutsi and resulted to estimated 150,000 taking refuges in neighboring countries, they later formed a rebel group which were majorly Tutsi. The determination of the Hutu Leaders to retain power after colonialization period further strained the agreement reached in 1990 and this led to invading of Rwanda by the rebel group with the help of Ugandan government ( HYPERLINK "/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Richard+Akresh%22" Richard Akresh, pg 17).
The skewed distribution of state and natural resources resulted to gradual reduction in the Hutu having access to resources, before, there existed a two way exchange program where there was equity for the communities. However with the increasing power from the Tutsi and further consolidation of power due...