Collapse, War, and Reconstruction in Rwanda
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Questions and Answers

What was the main principle behind the new regime's quotas for education and employment?

  • Ethnic and regional considerations (correct)
  • Native language proficiency
  • Educational attainment
  • Economic background
  • What system was adopted to identify Rwandese nationals by ethnicity?

  • Voter registration processes
  • Social Security numbers
  • Tax identification systems
  • Official records and identity documentation (correct)
  • What was significant about the 1978 national population census?

  • The results were published and accessible to the public.
  • The results were never published. (correct)
  • It declared Tutu the majority ethnic group.
  • It accurately represented ethnic proportions.
  • How many Tutsi were in positions of mayor according to the quotas?

    <p>None of the mayors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the military, what restriction was placed on inter-ethnic marriages?

    <p>They were strictly prohibited. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the adopted ethnic identification have on post-colonial Rwanda?

    <p>It marginalized the Tutsi community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethnic group was claimed to make up ninety percent of the population according to government statistics?

    <p>Hutu (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did discriminatory laws extend beyond public and private sectors?

    <p>They influenced domestic and religious institutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the initial response of the Kayibanda regime towards returning refugees?

    <p>They labelled refugees as enemies of Rwanda. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened during the celebrations of Rwanda's 20th independence anniversary in 1982?

    <p>The President stated that refugees could visit but not live permanently. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did many refugees insist on despite their displaced status?

    <p>Their right to return and live in Rwanda. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the two failed return attempts in 1963 and 1966 have on the Rwandan government?

    <p>They hardened the government's stance against refugees. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which countries bordered Rwanda and hosted the majority of Rwandan refugees?

    <p>Burundi, Uganda, Zaïre, and Tanzania. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the adjusted figures of Rwandan refugees indicate regarding their numbers?

    <p>There were significantly more refugees than official estimates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the two sides in the refugee return issue impact the conflict?

    <p>They held on to their positions, leading to armed confrontation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'inyangarwanda' refer to in the context of Rwandan refugees?

    <p>Enemies of Rwanda. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the National Revolutionary Movement for Development (MRND) known for implementing?

    <p>Single-party rule (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the major figure concentrated with significant power in the MRND regime?

    <p>Major-General Habyarimana (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What justification did Habyarimana provide for the imposition of single-party rule?

    <p>For the sake of cultural homogeneity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body replaced the National Assembly in 1981 under the MRND?

    <p>National Council for Development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change did the MRND make regarding party membership?

    <p>All Rwandans had to join legally (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key outcome of the regionalism during Habyarimana's rule?

    <p>Isolation from southern Hutu (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the electoral process like after the 1978 constitutional amendments?

    <p>Only Habyarimana was eligible to contest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the MRND govern in relation to the military?

    <p>The party and military controlled the country jointly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the RPA eventually become known as?

    <p>Rwanda Defence Forces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How were soldiers accused of genocide crimes treated under the RDF?

    <p>They were tried and possibly reintegrated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one goal of the RPF government regarding political exiles?

    <p>To attract them to return and re-settle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach did the RPF emulate from the NRM government in Uganda?

    <p>Inviting political exiles to return. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant difference between the RPF approach and previous regimes regarding exiles?

    <p>RPF welcomed exiles back rather than excluding them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of crimes did the Gacaca courts try individuals for?

    <p>Genocide crimes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were General Marcel Gatsinzi and Major General Laurent Munyakazi in relation to the RDF?

    <p>Former officers integrated into the RDF. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What belief influenced the RPF's policy regarding returnees from exile?

    <p>The belief that returnees were less dangerous than exiles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant consequence of the recruitment strategy in Kayibanda's ruling party?

    <p>A focus on recruiting members from the Gitarama region (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the coup of 1973 led by Major-General Habyarimana change in terms of political power?

    <p>Power shifted from southern to northern Hutu elites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Habyarimana's promises upon rising to power?

    <p>To end corruption and injustice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which policy was extended under Habyarimana's regime that replaced prior government practices?

    <p>Policy of ethnic balancing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of the perception of corruption on the Hutu elite?

    <p>Increased divisions among Hutu leaders (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the new regime's policy of ethnic balancing impact the Tutsi population?

    <p>It continued the exclusion and persecution of the Tutsi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the leadership style of Habyarimana following his coup?

    <p>Mixed signals regarding ethnic unity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a contributing factor to the organization of the 1973 coup?

    <p>Deepening schisms within Hutu elite circles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the blessings for repressive governments in Africa after the cold war?

    <p>Less attention from great powers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributed to the violent reactions from internal opponents in countries like Rwanda?

    <p>Repression by the ruling governments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Museveni government in Uganda play regarding the Rwanda Patriotic Front?

    <p>It facilitated the RPF’s actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country had a significant uncritical alliance with Rwanda despite calls for democratization in the early 1990s?

    <p>France (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were there strong ties between French officials and African governments?

    <p>Personal and patrimonial connections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which international figures showed admiration for Rwanda's President during the period of decreased attention from great powers?

    <p>Various international aid community members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major consequence of the great powers' inattention to the political crisis in Rwanda during the 1980s?

    <p>Facilitation of RPF activities by Uganda (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was highlighted as a significant issue in the relationship between France and Rwanda's support?

    <p>Absence of institutional mechanisms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Rwandan refugee crisis of the 1960s

    Tens of thousands of Rwandese refugees fled to neighbouring countries like Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania during the 1960s after anti-Tutsi pogroms.

    Pressure for return by Rwandese refugees

    Despite being scattered across different countries, Rwandese refugees and their descendants continued to push for the right to return to Rwanda, advocating for their right to live in their homeland.

    Inyangarwanda

    The term 'inyangarwanda' was used by the Kayibanda regime to label Rwandese refugees as enemies of the state, highlighting the government's rejection of their return.

    Habyarimana regime's stance on refugee return

    The Habyarimana regime, while not granting permanent residency, allowed Rwandese refugees to visit their relatives on a temporary basis, a limited concession to their desire to return.

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    Indivisible conflict surrounding refugee return

    The persistent desire of refugees to return and the government's resistance to their permanent return created an irresolvable conflict, setting the stage for potential future conflict.

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    Government's refusal of citizenship rights to refugees

    The Rwandan government's reluctance to grant citizenship rights and allow permanent return to refugees contributed to their feelings of alienation and fueled tensions.

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    Seeds of armed confrontation

    The failure to resolve the conflict over the return of Rwandese refugees created a breeding ground for potential armed conflict, as both sides held firm to their positions.

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    Refugee crisis and its security dimensions

    The Rwandan refugee crisis highlights the complex relationship between refugees and their home countries, often characterized by competing demands, unresolved grievances, and the potential for violence.

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    Gitaramism

    The practice of favoring individuals from a specific region, particularly Gitarama, for positions within the ruling party.

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    Expulsion of dissenters

    The expulsion of members within a political party who disagree with the leadership, often due to concerns about ethnic hatred or mistreatment of specific groups.

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    Regional bias in recruitment

    The act of prioritizing recruitment within a political party based on geographical origin, leading to an imbalance in representation.

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    Domination of leadership by one region

    The situation where the majority of leaders in a country come from a single region, leading to a perception of unfairness and disparity.

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    Corruption perception

    The perception of a government’s actions as manipulative or corrupt, often leading to feelings of distrust and resentment among the population.

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    Exclusion based on region

    The systematic exclusion of individuals based on their origin, leading to resentment and polarization within a society.

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    Ethnic balancing

    A political system based on the principle of equal representation for different ethnic groups, aiming to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

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    Shifting power dynamic

    The situation where the power shifts from one group to another, often due to a coup or revolution, leading to a new political order.

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    Ethnic Quotas

    A policy implemented by Rwandan regimes, both before and after the genocide, to promote equity by using quotas based on ethnicity and region for access to education, employment, and political positions.

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    Ethnic Identification in Official Documents

    A key practice that facilitated the implementation of ethnic quotas in Rwanda, where every citizen was classified by ethnicity on official records and ID documents from birth.

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    Equity as Disguise for Discrimination

    The use of quotas based on ethnicity and region to promote fairness in access to opportunities, despite being rooted in the principle of equity, perpetuated discrimination and exclusion of certain ethnic groups.

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    Hutu Dominance in Power

    A long-standing practice in Rwanda to prioritize Hutu people in government positions, leaving very few opportunities for Tutsis, despite claims of representation based on population statistics.

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    Doubtful Validity of Statistics

    The official statistics used to justify ethnic quotas in Rwanda were unreliable, with population census results never published and fixed figures that did not reflect reality.

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    Uneven Enforcement of Quotas

    The implementation of ethnic quotas in Rwanda, even with statistics of questionable validity, was unevenly enforced, with quotas not being consistently adhered to across different sectors of society.

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    Pervasive Nature of Discrimination

    The extension of ethnic discrimination from official to private sectors and even religious institutions in Rwanda, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the practice.

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    Prohibition of Interethnic Marriages in Military

    The prohibition of inter-ethnic marriages for members of the Rwandan military, illustrating the deep-rooted nature of ethnic divisions and their impact on personal lives.

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    MRND

    The MRND (Mouvement Révolutionnaire National pour le Développement), established in 1973, became the single ruling party in Rwanda. It replaced PARMEHUTU, the previous ruling party.

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    Habyarimana's justification for single-party rule

    Habyarimana's regime, despite perpetuating ethnic and regional divisions, justified single-party rule by claiming Rwanda's cultural homogeneity. This argument was based on shared culture and language.

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    Dual Control of MRND and Army

    The MRND's creation placed Rwanda under the joint control of the party and the military, with Habyarimana holding many crucial positions. He was the president, party founder, prime minister, and others.

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    Habyarimana's Concentration of Power

    Habyarimana's dominance over key positions in the MRND and the government during his early years led to a highly centralized authority.

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    National Council for Development

    The National Council for Development, an organ of the MRND, replaced the National Assembly in 1981. Members of the council were chosen from lists drawn by the MRND Central Committee.

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    Habyarimana's use of ethnic and regional divisions

    Habyarimana's regime actively perpetuated ethnic and regional divisions while claiming to foster unity. This led to resentment and opposition from different groups within Rwanda.

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    Suppression of Political Opposition

    The MRND's one-party rule and Habyarimana's concentration of power created a system where political opposition was stifled. This contributed to growing dissent and eventual violence.

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    MRND Policies and the Rwandan Civil War

    The MRND's policies and practices, including ethnic divisions and exclusion, led to the rise of opposition groups and increased support for the RPF, a Tutsi-led rebel group. This eventually led to the Rwandan Civil War.

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    Reduced International Attention in Africa

    The decline in global interest in African affairs, particularly during the post-Cold War era, led to a reduction in foreign involvement and attention to internal conflicts. This lack of focus created a dangerous window for repressive governments to act with impunity.

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    Repressive Regimes and Inattention

    When major powers are less interested in a region, repressive regimes can commit crimes against their citizens without much international scrutiny or intervention.

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    Violence As A Response to Repression

    The lack of international attention emboldened internal opponents to resort to violence, believing it was the only way to stop oppression. This pattern was evident in Rwanda, where a violent reaction against the Habyarimana regime escalated into genocide.

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    France's Alliance with Habyarimana

    France, despite publicly advocating for democratization, maintained a strong alliance with Rwanda's Habyarimana regime. This support stemmed from close personal and political connections between French and Rwandan leaders.

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    France's Weak Institutional Mechanisms

    The lack of strong institutional mechanisms within France, particularly within the parliament, allowed for continued support of the Habyarimana regime despite its flaws.

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    Museveni's Support for the RPF

    The Museveni government in Uganda facilitated, through actions or inaction, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) as it prepared for war against the Habyarimana government. This support, however, was not universally acknowledged.

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    Inattention Contributing to Rwandan Conflict

    The international community's lack of attention to the brewing crisis in Rwanda allowed the RPF to operate relatively freely, escalating the potential for conflict.

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    Continued Support for the Habyarimana Regime

    Despite the decline in global interest in Africa, some international actors, like France and Zaïre, continued to support the Habyarimana regime. This support was based on personal relationships rather than a clear assessment of the situation.

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    RPF's Policy on Exiled Rwandans

    The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) government aimed to attract exiled political figures back to Rwanda, believing they were less of a threat at home than abroad.

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    RPF's Strategy for Reintegration

    Similar to Uganda's NRM government, the RPF sought to neutralize potential threats by reintegrating former government officials and military officers into Rwandan society.

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    Absorption of the Defeated Army

    The RPF integrated elements of the defeated Rwandan army into the RPA, transforming it into the national army (RDF).

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    Dealing with Genocide Accusations

    Even those accused of genocide crimes were tried. If no evidence was found, they were reintegrated into the RDF.

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    RPF's Approach to Political Exiles

    Unlike previous regimes, the RPF government encouraged political exiles to return to Rwanda, viewing them as less dangerous at home.

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    RPF's Aims for Stability

    The RPF government's efforts to reintegrate former exiles and soldiers aimed to reduce potential future instability.

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    Inspiration from NRM

    The RPF's strategy for reintegration was inspired by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda, which also sought to attract exiled dissidents.

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    Neutralised Threat

    The RPF's reintegration strategy served to minimize potential threats from former exiles and soldiers.

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    Study Notes

    Working Paper No. 28: Collapse, War, and Reconstruction in Rwanda

    • Rwanda gained independence amidst violent conflict
    • Colonial rulers favored the Tutsi minority, marginalizing the Hutu majority
    • Post-colonial Rwanda was characterized by ethnic division, exclusion, and repression
    • This led to civil war and the 1994 genocide
    • The overthrow of the ancien regime marked a shift towards national reconciliation, unity, equity, and inclusion
    • The paper examines Rwanda's post-1994 development against a backdrop of pre-1994 politics and society
    • It highlights the efforts and achievements in pursuit of lasting peace and stability
    • Key issues include political organization, political parties, economic reforms, and security sector management.

    Introduction

    • Inter-ethnic conflict was largely concentrated among elites, fueled by the struggle for ethnic supremacy
    • Ordinary Rwandans acted as victims and attackers, manipulated by elites
    • Colonial rule privileged Tutsis, resulting in unequal access to education, employment opportunities
    • This created a political and socioeconomic gap between Tutsi and Hutu elites
    • Hutu elites used colonial narratives of Tutsi dominance to mobilize and justify violence.

    The Impact of Party Politics

    • The birth of political parties in Rwanda fueled Hutu-Tutsi animosity and ethnic violence
    • Colonial authorities encouraged Hutu political takeover while marginalizing Tutsis
    • The Rwandan National Union (UNAR), a Tutsi-led party, advocated for self-rule and total independence
    • The Association for the Social Promotion of the Masses (APROSOMA) called for the extermination of Tutsis.
    • Violence erupted in 1959, leading to targeted attacks on Tutsi elites and communities.
    • Colonial administrators stood aside, failing to maintain order while violence escalated
    • Colonial policies deepened ethnic division.

    Post-Colonial Politics

    • Colonial-era ethnic divisions and subsequent inter-ethnic conflict fuelled post-colonial violence
    • Forced exile of Tutsis and the denial of their right to return
    • Hatred and discrimination against Tutsis
    • Regional conflicts and demographic pressures
    • Hasty political liberalization in the 1990s
    • External factors contributed to the escalation of conflict.

    The Impact of the 1990s Economic Crisis

    • Rwanda's small land area and high population density contributed to land scarcity
    • This scarcity fueled tensions, creating a vulnerability to violence
    • The Hutu majority faced lack of opportunity and high levels of poverty
    • This created the conditions for ethnic violence and genocide.
    • Economic crisis and political instability increased pressure on the Hutu majority

    Hate Propaganda

    • Hate propaganda and excessive obedience to authority motivated Hutu violence against Tutsis
    • Colonial authorities and politicians used ethnic division as a tool for manipulation.

    The Refugee Experiences of the Exile Community

    • Rwandan exiles had diverse experiences in refugee camps and host communities
    • Some integrated successfully, while others faced discrimination and hostility
    • The inability to return to Rwanda fueled tensions and resentment.

    Invasion by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA)

    • The RPA invasion marked a crucial turning point in Rwandan history
    • It fueled internal conflict and led to mass killings.

    Restoring Order

    • The RPA seized power leading to the establishment of a transitional government
    • The government faced significant challenges in restoring order and security
    • There were efforts to reintegrate the armed forces
    • Reintegration efforts aimed towards reconciliation and national unity.

    Building Credibility and Legitimacy

    • Government sought to quell internal unrest from the Hutu community by convincing them they weren't being targeted with their new policies, and addressing their concerns.

    Conclusion

    • Rwandan violence stems from a complex interplay of internal and external factors, influenced by Belgian colonial policies.
    • The desire to return by exiled refugees and discrimination they faced further fueled conflict.
    • The paper analyzes how land scarcity, economic hardship, and political exclusion interacted in the run up to the genocide.
    • The author argues for a more complex perspective of Rwandan history, acknowledging both external and internal factors.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the turbulent history of Rwanda, focusing on the events leading up to and following the 1994 genocide. It examines how colonial favoritism, ethnic division, and political struggles shaped the nation’s trajectory towards reconciliation and development. Key themes include political organization, economic reforms, and the management of security in post-colonial Rwanda.

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