The Role Of Genocide In Rwanda

Genocide; the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation has cast a shadow on various societies over the years (Dictionary). Although the general public is aware of the meaning of genocide and how it takes place, many are not aware of its aftermath and how affected societies are built back up to stability. Territories that fall victim to this act of systematic killing are demolished and left in ruins. Rwanda in 1994 is a prime example to use when studying the aftermath of genocide. This is because when an act such as genocide is performed, everyone becomes a victim, even the perpetrators. As this genocide came to a close, people were left with nothing and were in horrible condition.

From a previous population of 300,000, there were 50,000 people left and half of these were displaced. Government officials, soldiers, and militia who participated in the genocide fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to fear of being killed. With the support of the government in the Congo they planned to continue killing Tutsis and to de-stabilize the new government in Rwanda. However, their plan failed. The Rwandan refugees were experiencing horrible conditions in the refugee camps as well. Aid workers saw at first hand how local officials and the militia established their authority and control. For example, in the days following the genocide, killings, threats, extortions, rape and thuggery were common (Fullerton). According to Hotel Rwanda, a multitude of refugees were moved into Tanzania to these supposed safe camps but as many have reported, the camps were not all that

Due to the fact that the majority of victims to the mass killing were men, many families were headed by women, which was a drastic change from the typical patriarchal households that existed prior. Women are still learning to take on this role and often find it very difficult to do so in a culture that characteristically placed men in a dominant role (Fullerton).

One more culturally different aspect of Rwanda after the genocide is that there are no more Tutsis, Hutus, or Twas; all people are called Rwandans. According to author David Fullerton, Rwandans work together side by side, and there are no more problems. As opposed to how Rwanda was functioning before and during the genocide, the new government is determined to build something new. One people, one country, open to all Rwandans regardless of ethnic identity. After 21 years this method of government is still standing strong