The Rwandan Genocide of 1994.


THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE OF 1994

The Rwandan Genocide of 1994 remains one of the darkest moments in African and world history. In just one hundred days, nearly 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis and some moderate Hutus, were killed. The roots of this tragedy stretched back to the colonial era when Belgium divided the population into Hutus and Tutsis and favoured the Tutsi minority with political and social privileges. Even after independence, tension and resentment continued, and political leaders used these divisions to maintain power, instead of promoting unity and healing.

By the early 1990s, Rwanda was unstable. Economic challenges and political disagreements grew worse, while radio broadcasts spread hateful propaganda that described Tutsis as enemies. Everything changed on April 6th, 1994, when the president’s plane was shot down. This event triggered a violent wave of killings across the country. Militias and ordinary citizens were encouraged to attack their neighbours based solely on ethnicity. Homes, churches, and schools that once seemed safe became places of horror, and thousands died daily as the world reacted slowly and with little intervention.

The genocide ended when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), led by Paul Kagame, gained control in July 1994. By this time, Rwanda was severely damaged. Families were destroyed, many children became orphans, and millions of people were displaced. To rebuild the nation, the government introduced Gacaca Courts to handle justice and to encourage reconciliation within communities. Rwanda then began to focus on development, stability, and healing after such heavy loss.

Today, Rwanda stands as a symbol of recovery, growth, and resilience. Although the memories of those one hundred days remain painful, they have become a reminder of the dangers of division, hatred, and silence. The genocide teaches the world the urgent need for peace, unity, and early intervention in times of conflict. To remember Rwanda in 1994 is to honour those who were lost and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.


Adetola.
Asst. Editor-in-Chief.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BOOK REVIEW "The psychology of money"

Image
"The psychology of money"by Morgan Housel        The book is a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between our minds and money. Housel brings to limelight the psychological biases and behaviors that influence our financial decisions, offering insights that are both practical and profound. He discusses how our emotions, instincts, and past experiences shape our attitudes towards money, often leading to irrational choices and unexpected outcomes.      One key theme in the book is the importance of understanding the difference between being rich and being wealthy. Housel argues that true wealth is not just about having a large bank account, but rather about achieving financial security and freedom. He emphasizes the value of investing in experiences, relationships, and personal growth, rather than just accumulating material possessions.       Another highlight is Housel's exploration of the concept of risk and uncertainty in...
Read more

COUNTRY IN FOCUS: NORTH KOREA

Image
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia that occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares borders with China, a small stretch with Russia, and South Korea, while also lying between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Its geographical  position, combined with its political stance, makes it one of the most isolated nations in the world. The country was established in 1948 following the division of Korea at the end of WWII, and has since been ruled by the Kim family dynasty,  currently under Kim Jong-un. North Korea operates as a one-party authoritarian state, emphasizing self-reliance, or Juche, as its core ideology. The regime exercises total control over all aspects of life, including media, education, and the economy. North Korea’s economy is state-run and largely underdeveloped, with chronic food shortages and heavy dependence on China. Decades of international sanctions, p...
Read more

MOVIE REVIEW

Image
                    Silver Ever After by Laju Iren. We hear and say the word “ Happily ever after” but do we also know there could be “ Silver ever after?" Hii Fam, it's movie review o'clock and I would be giving you a review of this movie I saw during the week. Pastor Laju Iren of Celebration Church International released the movie, Silver Ever After during the week and I just thought to see it and give you, my lovely readers, a review.  The movie is about love and communication and a must watch for couples, lovers, and even especially for those who have spent years in marriage also.   The movie features Nollywood actors, Ukor arukwe and Blessing Jessica Obasi as the  major cast and its a story of how they have spent years in marriage, and battle with communication.  The husband had issues with his job and wasn't speaking up to his wife and also couldn't sleep with her because he had medical issues,...
Read more