Libre Des Mille Collines And The Rwanda Genocide

The Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) is infamous for the propaganda it disseminated against Tutsi prior to and during the Rwandan genocide. Extensive studies have confirmed the role RTLM played in mobilising the Hutu population, one researcher estimating that 9.9% of the participation in violence against Tutsi was directly because of the broadcasts. Indeed, following the genocide the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda (ICTR) successfully convicted numerous associates of the RTLM for their responsibility in inciting hatred and genocidal violence. The importance of studying the transcript of 23rd March 1994 therefore does not lie in proving that the RTLM contributed to the occurrence of violence against Tutsi, as this has already been established.

Examining the pre-genocidal period through the transcript allows an understanding as to how the genocide was consciously prepared for to be gained, which this essay will argue. The transcript’s references to the colonial history of Rwanda also prove imperative, supporting the argument that colonialism was a major factor that contributed to the occurrence of the genocide. In providing new perspectives on such aspects of the Rwandan genocide, the transcript most certainly proves significant. It represents a typical RTLM broadcast, at the time it would not have been perceived anything outside of the norm. This in itself is beneficial, as it provides uncensored insight into the messages being