Post 2: Causes of the Rwandan Genocide

The Rwandan Genocide, which occurred in 1994, was the result of a complex combination of historical, political, and social factors. One of the key causes can be traced back to the legacy of Belgian colonial rule in Rwanda. The Belgians, who took control of Rwanda in 1916, implemented a policy of divide and rule, favoring the minority Tutsi ethnic group over the majority Hutus. This created a significant imbalance and heightened tensions between the two groups.

Ethnic tensions had been simmering for decades, with the Hutus feeling marginalized and oppressed by the ruling Tutsis. The Belgians exacerbated these divisions by issuing ethnic identity cards, making it easier for them to identify and categorize individuals as either Tutsi or Hutu. This further deepened the divide and sowed the seeds of hatred and discrimination.

The political landscape leading up to the genocide was also highly volatile. In the early 1990s, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a rebel group comprised mostly of Tutsis, launched an armed insurgency against the Rwandan government. This insurgency, aimed at challenging the Hutu-dominated regime, only served to intensify the ethnic tensions already present in the country.

Additionally, economic struggles and limited resources further exacerbated the situation. Overpopulation, environmental degradation, and a decline in agricultural productivity created a sense of desperation and competition for scarce resources among the population. This added pressure contributed to the overall instability and provided a fertile ground for the outbreak of violence.

In conclusion, the causes of the Rwandan Genocide can be attributed to a combination of historical injustices, political instability, and socio-economic factors. The legacy of colonial rule, ethnic tensions, and the political climate in the early 1990s all played a significant role in creating a volatile environment in which violence and the subsequent genocide could occur. Understanding these causes is crucial for comprehending the complexity of the Rwandan Genocide and learning from this tragic chapter in history.