The Effects of Colonization on Rwanda

864 Words2 Pages

Genocide, destruction, poor infrastructure, Rwanda a recovering country that cannot shed it’s bad reputation. Before Belgium colonized Rwanda there were Hutu’s and Twa’s, later on in the 1300’s the Tutsi’s migrated over. When these ethnic groups met they created a common culture and language, they were equals. However the ethnic divisions perpetuated by Belgium resulted in a Genocide that tarnished Rwanda’s global image. People can note that Belgiums reign created chaos and terror, in addition politic issues regarding government power and the treatment of it’s people shaped modern day Rwanda.
In 1897 Germany seized Ruanda-Urundi (present day Rwanda), as a piece of German East Africa. Seventeen years later World War I broke out, this brought Belgian Troops to Rwanda and eventually led to Belgium’s reign over Rwanda. Under Belgian rule the people of Rwanda were required to carry identification passes that stated their ethnicities, this solidified the ideal of ethnic division. In addition the Tutsi’s became a favored race and were given increased opportunities for education and employment. Years later in 1959 the death of Mwami (King) Mutara III created even more unrest, as well as uprising. After his death the Hutu’s rebelled against the Tutsi’s, in due course the Hutu’s acquired control of both the government and economy (Rwanda).
Under the Hutu’s government reign the people of Rwanda voted to become a republic. A year later on July 1, 1962 Ruanda-Urandi became two separate countries. Though Belgium was no longer in power over Rwanda, ethnic dissension continued to affect the people. At independence a Hutu was elected, and later on another Hutu whom favored his ethnicity came into power. Hutu’s continued to dominate the governme...

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... had a bigger affect on the country than decolonization. Moreover Rwanda’s history can be used as an example to teach future generations to avoid racial discrimination.

Bibliography
Gascoigne, Bamber. "History of Rwanda." History World. n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2013.

Hasselriis, Kaj. "French is out of fashion in Rwanda." Maclean's 26 Apr. 2010: 37.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.

"Policies in Rwanda Should Be Set in Consideration of Genocide History - Kabarebe."Africa News Service 16 Apr. 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 Jan. 2014.

"Rwanda." The World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 16. Chicago, Illinois: Scott Fetzer, Print.

"Rwandan Kagame Accuses French of Involvement in Genocide." Africa News Service18 Mar. 2004. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

"Rwanda Profile." BBC News. 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.

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