Rwanda

For centuries the Hutus, Tutsi, and the ethnic minority, Twa, coexisted in a precarious social balance until colonization in 1897. A governing administration of a feudal nature was established, subordinating the Hutu majority in favour of Tutsi dominance.

At the time of Rwanda’s independence in 1962, ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi had peaked. The Hutu majority gained control of the new republic and began a reversed process of ethnic scapegoating and segregation of the Tutsi, which would ultimately lead to a civil war.

Between April and July of 1994, over 1 million Tutsi were murdered in Rwanda. The genocidal Hutu regime was eventually defeated in July, 1994, by the Tutsi rebel force, RPF. Most refugees that fled Rwanda during the war have since been repatriated.

The post-war government has prioritized development and education, but still faces the challenge of re-establishing infrastructure such as water services and road repair. Ethnic differentiation has been outlawed, and the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission expects the adjudication of war-related crimes to be completed by the end of 2008.

Republic of Rwanda

Capital:

Kigali

Population:

10 million

Independence:

1962 (Belgium-UN)

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