The colonial rulers of Rwanda, particularly the Belgians, are largely responsible for creating a class system and exacerbating tensions between Hutus and Tutsis in the country. During colonial rule, they imposed a classification system based on physical characteristics and socioeconomic factors, designating Tutsis as the privileged minority and Hutus as the oppressed majority. This system ultimately led to deepening divisions and conflicts between the two groups, culminating in the 1994 genocide.
