Extremist Hutus blamed Tutsi rebels for the attack, while Tutsi rebels denied it and blamed members of Habyarimanas own government. The identities of those responsible for the crash are still unknown.

What was the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi?

The Rwandan genocide was a systematic campaign by the Hutu ethnic majority aimed at wiping out each and every member of the minority Tutsi group. The Hutu-controlled government and allied militias slaughtered between 800,000 and one million Tutsis before a Tutsi rebel group overthrew them.

When did the hatred between the Hutus and Tutsis begin?

1957 Starting in 1957, the Hutus began to rebel against their treatment, writing a Manifesto and staging violent actions against the Tutsi. In 1962, Belgium left the area and two new nations, Rwanda and Burundi, were formed.

Is there still ethnic tension in Rwanda?

Ethnic tension in Rwanda is nothing new. There have always been disagreements between the majority Hutus and minority Tutsis, but the animosity between them has grown substantially since the colonial period. However, Tutsis are often taller and thinner than Hutus, with some saying their origins lie in Ethiopia.

Are Tutsis taller than Hutus?

The two ethnic groups are actually very similar - they speak the same language, inhabit the same areas and follow the same traditions. However, Tutsis are often taller and thinner than Hutus, with some saying their origins lie in Ethiopia.

Why did Germany take over Rwanda?

Rwanda put up less resistance than Burundi did to German rule. The Germans believed the Tutsi ruling class was racially superior to the other native peoples of Rwanda because of their alleged Hamitic origins on the Horn of Africa, which they believed made them more European than the Hutu.

How did the Hutus treat the Tutsis?

In Rwanda, the Hutu majority lashed out at the minority Tutsis – killing thousands and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring Uganda. In Burundi, the minority Tutsis maintained their control of the military and government through a campaign of violence against the Hutus.

Why did Belgium withdraw its troops from Rwanda?

The assassination of ten peacekeepers, on 7 April 1994, had caused the withdrawal by Belgium of its UNAMIR (the United Nations) quota, recognized to be the most operational. The United Nations did not modify the UNAMIR mandate, Belgium then decided to withdraw its troops.

Where did Tutsi originally come from?

According to some historians and Tutsi scholars, the group originally came to Rwanda from Ethiopia in the 15th century. Although played down by the current government, the belief persists. To Tutsis, the genealogical lineage to Ethiopia connects them to a greater constellation including ancient Hebrews.

What are the 2 largest ethnicities within Rwanda?

The largest ethnic groups in Rwanda are the Hutus, which make up about 85% of Rwandas population; the Tutsis, which are 14%; and the Twa, which are around 1%. Starting with the Tutsi feudal monarchy rule of the 10th century, the Hutus were a subjugated social group.

How many Belgian soldiers died in Rwanda?

450 Belgian troops The deaths of the peacekeepers in 1994 led to the withdrawal of the 450 Belgian troops in Rwanda, and eventually troops from other nations in the UN mission, opening the way for the genocide of the Tutsi community to spread.

Is it illegal to talk about ethnicity in Rwanda?

It is not just considered bad form to discuss ethnicity in the new Rwanda. It can land one in jail. Added to the penal code is the crime of divisionism, a nebulous offense that includes speaking too provocatively about ethnicity.