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?

None of the mayors Signup and view all the answers

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

They were strictly prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

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

It marginalized the Tutsi community. Signup and view all the answers

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

Hutu Signup and view all the answers

How did discriminatory laws extend beyond public and private sectors?

They influenced domestic and religious institutions. Signup and view all the answers

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

They labelled refugees as enemies of Rwanda. Signup and view all the answers

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

The President stated that refugees could visit but not live permanently. Signup and view all the answers

What did many refugees insist on despite their displaced status?

Their right to return and live in Rwanda. Signup and view all the answers

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

They hardened the government's stance against refugees. Signup and view all the answers

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

Burundi, Uganda, Zaïre, and Tanzania. Signup and view all the answers

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

There were significantly more refugees than official estimates. Signup and view all the answers

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

They held on to their positions, leading to armed confrontation. Signup and view all the answers

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

Enemies of Rwanda. Signup and view all the answers

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

Single-party rule Signup and view all the answers

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

Major-General Habyarimana Signup and view all the answers

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

For the sake of cultural homogeneity Signup and view all the answers

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

National Council for Development Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the MRND make regarding party membership?

All Rwandans had to join legally Signup and view all the answers

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

Isolation from southern Hutu Signup and view all the answers

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

Only Habyarimana was eligible to contest Signup and view all the answers

How did the MRND govern in relation to the military?

The party and military controlled the country jointly Signup and view all the answers

What did the RPA eventually become known as?

Rwanda Defence Forces Signup and view all the answers

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

They were tried and possibly reintegrated. Signup and view all the answers

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

To attract them to return and re-settle. Signup and view all the answers

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

Inviting political exiles to return. Signup and view all the answers

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

RPF welcomed exiles back rather than excluding them. Signup and view all the answers

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

Genocide crimes Signup and view all the answers

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

Former officers integrated into the RDF. Signup and view all the answers

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

The belief that returnees were less dangerous than exiles. Signup and view all the answers

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

A focus on recruiting members from the Gitarama region Signup and view all the answers

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

Power shifted from southern to northern Hutu elites Signup and view all the answers

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

To end corruption and injustice Signup and view all the answers

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

Policy of ethnic balancing Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased divisions among Hutu leaders Signup and view all the answers

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

It continued the exclusion and persecution of the Tutsi Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the leadership style of Habyarimana following his coup?

Mixed signals regarding ethnic unity Signup and view all the answers

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

Deepening schisms within Hutu elite circles Signup and view all the answers

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

Less attention from great powers Signup and view all the answers

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

Repression by the ruling governments Signup and view all the answers

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

It facilitated the RPF’s actions. Signup and view all the answers

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

France Signup and view all the answers

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

Personal and patrimonial connections Signup and view all the answers

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

Various international aid community members 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?

Facilitation of RPF activities by Uganda Signup and view all the answers

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

Absence of institutional mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

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.