Rwandan Genocide Essay Example
Rwandan Genocide Essay Example

Rwandan Genocide Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (990 words)
  • Published: June 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Across history, multiple instances of genocides have taken place with individualized causative elements. Examples range from the Holocaust's racism-specific targeting to hyper-nationalism-based or dictator-led acts like Pol Pot's in Cambodia. Arguably the most significant among these atrocities is the Tutsi Genocide that occurred in Rwanda.

The importance of the Rwandan Genocide is rooted in the oppression and resulting consequences inflicted on a particular group. It serves as an illuminating example of how Africa was forsaken by the West during its hour of need, rendering it a critical occasion in global history. This altercation took place between Rwanda's primary ethnic factions, namely the Hutu and Tutsi.

Historically, the Tutsi held power and wealth while the Hutu experienced mistreatment and oppression. This dynamic shifted after the Hutu successfully overthrew the Tutsi monarchy three years prior to gaining independence from Belgiu

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m, ultimately resulting in a catastrophic genocide.

In plain sight, President Habyarimana provided machetes and firearms for the purpose of targeting Tutsi individuals. The Hutu community utilized machetes to kill numerous Tutsi and subjected the survivors to exile, rape, and physical abuse. The situation persisted for several years until Tutsi youths formed the Rwandan Patriot Front, or RPF. The Hutu Government subsequently collaborated with the military to legitimize the execution of Tutsi individuals and other potential threats. Radio broadcasting stations also played a significant role in spreading propaganda.

The genocide was widely spread and particularly effective because a large portion of the population was unable to read or write. The radio stations instructed listeners on locating Tutsi refugees, sexually assaulting Tutsi women, and murdering Tutsi individuals utilizing various weapons, and were known to go by names such as Hutu

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Power or Black Power radio.

Within a span of just 100 days, the Hutu people massacred somewhere between 80,000 to 1,000,000 individuals, making it a highly charged and racially motivated genocide that has significant relevance to contemporary history. The war in Rwanda persisted for a little over three months, after which the national army and Hutu Militias were defeated by the RPF, who were working out of Northern Rwanda and Uganda. Fearing punishment from the Tutsi, a large number of Hutu individuals fled to various countries, while some returned with extremist groups similar to those that had earlier launched attacks. Several Hutus continue to reside in the Congo to date.

Throughout the specified period, the government was under the control of RPF. Rwanda conducted presidential and legislative elections in 2003 while in 2009, a collaboration between the Congo Army and Rwanda Army occurred to prevent extremist activities. Participation in the Commonwealth also took place recently. However, during this time, Western nations were uncooperative and uninformed about events in Rwanda. For example, the Clinton Administration failed to acknowledge the full extent of genocide in Rwanda and did not offer any assistance.

Although Jean-Pierre had alerted UN officials about the Hutus' plans three months prior to the attacks, many individuals from America and the West were ignorant of the Rwandans' suffering. It took nearly ten years after the occurrence with films like "Hotel Rwanda" for people to comprehend the atrocity that happened. Regrettably, despite being informed about it, Western countries decided to overlook Rwanda's distress.

The UN was tasked with the duty of ensuring peace and preventing aggression towards Hutus upon their arrival. Despite minimal support and sympathy from Western nations,

Rwandans were able to successfully resolve the crisis and halt genocide without any significant aid. Hollywood's "Hotel Rwanda" was based on Paul Rusesabagina's real-life experience, where he utilized connections and bribes to save his wife, children, and 1268 Tutsi refugees who had ties with Tutsis. He kept his hotel's actions concealed by providing bribes to local Hutu military leaders.

The Interahamwe provided Paul with supplies, including drinks and food, despite being responsible for killing and raping many Tutsis. They believed that Paul was running a 4-star hotel and thus left him mostly alone. However, the UN peacekeeping team, led by Lt. General Romeo Dallaire, did not provide Paul with significant assistance.

Attempting to maintain peace, he was unsuccessful, and consequently, expelled all Europeans who were lodging in the hotel. Along with the Europeans, an American news team who had arrived to report on the attack also left, abandoning those who were trapped. This resulted in a harrowing situation where the Caucasians deserted the Rwandan people, leaving them to seemingly face certain death. The General and the News crew were disturbed as they realized the magnitude of the danger Paul and his hotel were facing. The film depicts Paul's management of the hotel amidst chaotic circumstances.

During the invasion at the hotel, the protagonist's primary concern was the safety of his family. Fortunately, both he and his loved ones were rescued alongside other hotel guests by the United Nations, who agreed to exchange them for Hutu soldiers. Despite being relocated to a camp and ultimately sent out of their home country, the protagonist and his family survived. The story was so remarkable it demanded to be adapted into

a movie, especially considering its authenticity. The film effectively conveyed the horror experienced by a million Tutsis.

By showcasing authentic video footage of hostage situations and murders, the movie effectively increased American awareness. It shed light on the Rwandan Genocide, detailing actual events and highlighting America's neglect to classify it as a genocide. The film served as an educational tool for many people, informing them about this catastrophic event and contributing to efforts aimed at addressing it.

Despite the occurrence of various genocides throughout history, the Rwandan Genocide stands out as a unique and devastating account of Hutu-Tutsi conflict. This event took place in recent times and may not be familiar to all. It exposed both deliberate and accidental neglect from Western countries during Rwanda's period of turmoil. The incident served as a reminder for many individuals about the significance of better communication and efforts towards preventing comparable catastrophes from recurring in future.

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