Tutsis+and+Hutus

​Hutus vs Tutsis


The largest and most destructive conflict that exists in Rwanda is the conflict between the two social classes,the Tutsis and Hutus. Control has switched between the two groups multiple times and when in control the other group is suppresed and used or killed. Each assult worsens the tension between the two ultimately resulting in huge numbers of death like in the Rwanda Genocide. Like many other countries in Africa the begining of this conflict lies with the European dominance and the forced control they gave to the tutsis.

"When first described by Europeans - and in particular by [|Speke], who encounters them east of Rwanda on his exploration to Lake Victoria - it is assumed that the distinction between Tutsi and Hutu is entirely racial. But this simple classification is blurred by intermarriage and by the custom of allowing people to become honorary members of the other group." Essentially there currently is no difference in appearance and it has essentially become a class system
 * AD 1887-1914**

"A more valid description of the Tutsi-Hutu divide is by class and occupation. The Tutsi are the upper class and are mostly herdsmen. The Hutu are the lower class and for the most part live by farming."

AD 1914-1962

Once the Belgians are given control over the area they base their control off the already existant class system of Tutsi and Hutus. Rather than using Belgian soldiers the Tutsi control the Hutus and most of the government. Additionally in order to create a guide for Belgian censuses the Tutsis were the rich or the tall Rwandans who had longer noses and therefore the closest to Europeans. The Tutsis are the only ones who were able to seek education along with government positions.

The Hutu are subject to the forced labour which disfigures many European colonies in Africa, but here it is the Tutsi who supervise them at their tasks. From 1933 everyone in Ruanda-Urundi is issued with a racial identity card, defining them as Hutu (85%) or Tutsi (14%). The remaining 1% are the Twa, the remnants of the original [|Pygmies] indigenous in this area.



AD 1962-

Ruanda gains independence along with Urundi. The names change to Rwand and Burundi. Rwanda becomes a republic with its first leader Grégoire Kayibanda a strong anti Tutsi leader who lead the "party for Hutu emancipation." The conflict between Tutsis and Hutus begins anew as under Kayabanda and the term cockroaches becomes a comon phrase used when killing Tutsis or "Tutsi cockroaches." Killing of tutsis becomes a common occurance and many flee into neighboring countries

AD 1963

In December 1963 several hundred Tutsi guerrillas enter southern Rwanda from Burundi. They advance to within twelve miles of the capital, Kigali, before they are eliminated by the Rwandan army. This event prompts the government to declare a state of emergency, emphasizing the need to 'clear the bush' of subversive elements.

Within days some 14,000 Tutsis are massacred in the southern province of Gikongoro, in a coordinated campaign described by Bertrand Russell as 'the most horrible and systematic massacre' since the Holocaust.

AD 1990

In 1990 after the new president Habyarimana declares that "refuges have no right to return." The RPF or Rwanda Patriotic Front is mainly a group of Tutsis who were enlisted in the Ugandan army who all deserted at the same time. After deserting they move into Rwanda and amazingly put an end to Habyarimana's regime. However this provokes the much greater genocide with the tensions between the groups even greater than before

AD 1994

Rwanda Genocide occured after continued tension between the Tutsis and Hutus, resulting in the death of 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates.

After the genocide

After much of the government was taken control of by the RPF the government returned to stability. Although a mostly tustsi group there are a population based 16-6 ratio.

However tensions have not disapeared. Currently many hutus and tutsis who flead the country are re-entering and while the id cards have been obolished their is stll a long road towards equality as violence and miltant hutu refugees in other contries continue to increase

In closing The racial issue between hutus and tutsis that began with a simple dominance and class system has evolved into a long chain of hate and murder. The hutus attack the tutsis more frequently and often more recently because of shifts in power and views. The body disfiguring work that europeans had the hutus do triggered the massacres and death. ultimately it is the European influence that began it. [] [] Read more: []