What was the impact of the differences between Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda in the 1990s?
a) The Hutu-led genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda was retaliation for years of ethnic conflict.
b) The Hutu population began to increase migration to other African countries until the Tutsis closed the borders in Rwanda.
c) The Hutu sought to form their own government in Rwanda to end years of injustice inflicted by a systematic apartheid government.
d) The Tutsi sought to establish their independence by creating a Tutsi state within Rwanda.
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The correct answer is a) The Hutu-led genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda was retaliation for years of ethnic conflict.
The differences between the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda have a complex historical background. Tensions between these two ethnic groups date back to the colonial era, when the Belgians classified the population based on physical characteristics and created a system that favored the Tutsis, who were deemed to have more "European" features, over the Hutus. This colonial policy exacerbated existing ethnic divisions and created resentment between the groups.
In the 1990s, the differences between Hutus and Tutsis led to a series of conflicts and ultimately culminated in the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. During this genocide, Hutu extremists systematically murdered approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a period of about 100 days. This mass killing was sparked by the assassination of the Rwandan President, a Hutu, and was fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions and the dehumanization of Tutsis.
To understand the impact of these differences, it is important to recognize that the conflict resulted in a massive loss of life, significant displacement of people, and long-lasting trauma for survivors. The genocide also had ripple effects on neighboring countries, as refugees fled to escape the violence. International intervention eventually helped to stabilize the situation, but the impact of this period remains deeply embedded in Rwanda's history and has had far-reaching consequences for the country and its people.