Historical Globalization & Rwanda

1. Historical Globalization & Rwanda

2. Overview Pre-colonization Colonization Independence Genocide Rwanda Post-Genocide

3. Pre-Colonizationhttp://vimeo.com/15176894

4. Pre-Colonization • There is a wide variety of views on the distinctions between cultural groups in Rwanda that existed prior to colonization: • One view – prior to imperialism, the Hutu were agricultural based, and the Tutsi had cattle • Second view – Hutu nation, and the Tutsi’s were outsiders • Third view – All the same people, same culture, no Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. (This view is what is now taught in Rwandan schools)

5. Colonization

6. 1897 German colonialists and missionaries arrived in Rwanda • Tutsi were considered “superior” by Germans, as they were seen as more “European” and had seemingly taller stature and were believed to be more “honourable and eloquent”. • The social structure in Rwanda was simplified, so that all high positions were given to the Tutsi, while the Hutu were oppressed and treated as an inferior ‘race’. • 1923 Belgium took over control of Rwanda (following the defeat of Germany in WWI)

7. Colonization • Belgian colonizers issued Identity cards with classification • Classification was based on things like facial measurements, height, number of cattle, and position in society • 10 cattle – Tutsi • 9 cattle - Hutu • There was a large amount of corruption – some people were able to pay in order to have their identity cards changed

8. http://vimeo.com/15176894 Large numbers of Rwandans left during colonization. The Belgians required forced labour (Tutsi were exempt). There were massive crop failures for families as men were forced to work on ‘white plantations’.

9. Tutsi were required to do the Belgian’s “dirty work”, whipping Hutus who would not work, etc. With the movement towards Rwandan independence – there was a shift, and the Belgians started to tell the Hutu that the Tutsi had been persecuting them.

10. Independence Independence from Belgium was granted on July 1st, 1962

11. Independence • A process called ‘Dehumanization” begins under the extremist Hutu’s ruling Rwanda • Tutsi are called names including: • “Cockroaches” • “Foreign Invaders” • “Bloodthirsty parasites” • “Elite minority” • “Ferreting” • Population: • 85% Hutu • 15% Tutsi • A series of elections organized led to a Hutu majority gaining power • This led to ongoing conflicts between Hutu and Tutsi • The Tutsi became a minority group with restricted rights

12. Organization of Government In 1973, JevenalHabyarimana took control of the country through a government coup The country was run by a small group of political elite, and extreme Hutu nationalism was encouraged Conflicts with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Tutsi), occurred in the 1980’s, the Hutu regime was supported by France

13. Practice Genocides 1990 onwards, “Dress rehearsals” for the massacre occur “Practice Killings” of anywhere from 30-100 Tutsis over 2-3 day periods International community would ‘condemn’ the killings, but not act to stop them

14. In the final stages before the start of the Genocide, preparation took place. Lists were made in classrooms and churches Increasingly ultranationalist propaganda Arms (machetes) were stockpiled Preparing for the Genocide

15. Rwanda Genocide

16. April 6, 1994 - The plane carrying Rwanda’s President is shot down. • To this day – no one knows who shot down the President’s plane. • Within minutes of the plane crash, the Rwanda Genocide began • Genocide – • the mass killing of human beings, especially a targeted group of people

17. Eight Stages of Genocidehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU4mkZAbn8M (outlined by Gregory Stanton from Genocide Watch) Stage One: Classification (during Colonization) Stage Two: Symbolization (during Colonization) Stage Three: Dehumanization (Upon independence) Stage Four: Organization (Under extremist Gov’t) Stage Five: Polarization (Practice Genocides) Stage Six: Identification (Preparation) Stage Seven: Extermination (The Genocide) Stage Eight: Denial (Today)

18. The Tactics The idea was to ‘erase’ the Tutsi: Destroy ID Cards Destroy all records Destroy person Rape Guns Machetes Bull dozers Any weapons available (rocks, shovels, etc) The church was bull dozed down, killing everyone seeking refuge in the building.

22. Liberation Day July 4th Blue stripe - happiness and peace. Yellow stripe - country's mineral wealth and economic development Green stripe - country's natural resources and prosperity The sun - unity, transparency and enlightenment from ignorance. Celebrates the liberation of the city of Kigali by the RPF forces Liberation day commemorates the end of the Genocide

23. The Cost • 800,000 dead • Rwanda gov’t uses 1.1 million • Over 10% of the population • 2 million refugees • 1 million displaced • $2 billion in aid in 1994

24. Responses to the Legacy of Historical Globalization

25. Rwanda Post-Genocide

26. Justice & Reconciliation • 1994 International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda • Was created to try high ranking officials involved in Genocide & war crimes. • By 1996 – they had only tried 28 people.

27. Gacaca Court System (Ga-cha-cha) literally means "justice on the grass” a form of citizen-based justice put into place in an attempt to deal with the crimes of the 1994 genocide.

28. Gacaca Court System Process Trial is a combination of testimony and question & answer with the prisoner to cover the exact details of their involvement Trials are held in Kinyarwanda 7 judges chosen from the community where the crime was committed The Gacaca system has tried about 1.5 million cases so far • Everyone is able to share information • First the detainee • Then the witnesses who provide verbal and written testimony • Then the floor is opened to anyone else who wishes to testify • Incredible detail and dedication to the process

29. AVEGA Agahozo • Medical Assistance • Economic Opportunities • Legal Assistance • Advocacy (Right to Inherit Land) Organization of 25,000 Rwandan women Was founded by a genocide survivor – Esther Mujawayo – who lost her family to the genocide They work to provide support for the widows, and orphans from the genocide.

30. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU4mkZAbn8M Social 10-1 – Complete handout using pages 188- 193