The Rwandan Genocide The people of Rwanda “saw things that no one can describe- some of the worst the world has ever seen.” In the years after the genocide, many people could not deal with or think about the issue. It was too hard for them to remember. Moreover, many people were consumed by all of the hurt they were feeling. The Rwandan Genocide was a very rough and important part of history that changed the path of the country (Makombe 63-64). Before the Genocide, Rwandans had struggled for independence. This happened in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1962, however, Rwanda became independent (“Rwandan Genocide”). Despite speaking the same language and following the same traditions, there have always been …show more content…
The killers said “they were being sent back to Ethiopia.” The people participating in killing “would often be given incentives.” Some of the incentives include money and food (“Rwanda: How the Genocide happened”). In June, the UN troops were allowed to help in southwest Rwanda and in July, the RPF captured the capital. This tragedy lasted from April 1994 to June 1994. Within the span of these 100 days, approximately 800,000 Rwandans were killed. Consequently, over two million refugees left Rwanda to escape the RPF. With nearly one million people killed, the issues were not done, and continued for many years, both groups trying to control the country (Harmon and “Rwanda:How the genocide happened”). Many Rwandans warned the UN and begged them to help; however, the UN did not want to be part of the fighting. Most of the troops withdrew after ten soldiers were murdered. Several countries told their soldiers to leave Rwanda. Soldiers who stayed could only watch the fighting …show more content…
In July, the RPF captured Kigali, and the government collapsed. The RPF then declared a ceasefire (“Rwandan Genocide”). Many Rwandans traveled to Belgium to escape the war. Belgians “formalized the ethnic divisions by requiring all people to carry passes identifying themselves as Hutu or Tutsi.” Tutsis were favored by the Belgians. They “granted them increased power in government, greater employment, and greater educational opportunities” than the Hutus (“Rwandan Genocide”). Most refugees fled to Zaire, which is now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence continued there for many years. At first, the new government had leaders from both the Hutus and the Tutsis. Later, the Tutsis gained control of the country. Rwanda and DRC fought a war in 1996 because of it. Approximately 5 million people died there (Harmon). This was Africa’s largest genocide, leaving Rwandans scarred for life. Many people who witnessed this, still live with the awful memories and constant nightmares. Minimal fighting still occurs between the two tribes, but nothing as horrific as the Rwandan Genocide