Imperialism In Rwanda Genocide

Words: 1939
Pages: 8

To what extent is imperialism to blame for the genocide in Rwanda? Imperialism introduced concepts of violence, however is not responsible for the mass killings of the Tutsi and even Hutu people. The Rwandans also hold responsibility for the actions of both the Hutu and the Tutsi, as the Rwandans held power in 1994 and that both people, regardless of any differences, were all Rwandans at the end of the day. To attempt to translate the issue, it can be said that if the Imperialist whites were the “parents” and Rwandans were the “sibling”. If your sibling murders a person, would the accusation fall upon the murderer or the parents? A complicated question indeed; the answer remains controversial and indefinite, yet it is evident that both hold …show more content…
The militia was even more merciless than the military, of which was already alarmingly violent to the Tutsi and even any supporters of the Tutsi. Motives of taking Tutsi belongings and land bribed many Hutu to join the militia and kill, which allowed for the building up of the Hutu forces. Citizens, who should be assumed as civilized people, were roped into the conflict and became murderers through the surprising encouragement of the soldiers and police. ("Rwanda: How the Genocide Happened") As for the anti-Tutsi radio run by Habyarimana, the names and words spat out stuck with the Hutu, calling the Tutsi “cockroaches” that were “infesting” Rwanda. This mindset of separation and anger drove the groups farther and farther apart, resulting in great violence and tension. However, no one should misinterpret these names as mere insults, for these words birthed unimaginable fury because along with bribery, these threats drove Hutu people of any status to murder men, women, children, teachers, neighbors, anyone that refused the wishes of the extremist Hutu to rid of every single Tutsi in Rwanda. Specifically, as killings occurred following Habyarimana’s death, radicals went as far as using the RTLM anti-Tutsi radio station to report names and target Tutsi “cockroaches” or any moderate Hutu that attempted to defend the opposing side. (Haperen, Maria Van) People would have nowhere to hide if names were distributed among the Interhamwe, also proving that such drastic measures originated through the radical Hutu without any interference or persuasion by the