Photo Credit: AFP
Rwanda, officially known as the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country located in the great rift valley of central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and South East Africa converge. It is often referred to as the 'land of a thousand hills ‘, due to its breathtaking scenery and mountainous geography. It’s located a few degrees south of the equator and borders Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda’s capital city is Kigali, which is the largest city in the country. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 14.3 million people. It is also the second-fastest-growing economy in Africa, and as of 2023, the total GDP was estimated at $42.346 billion. It’s well known for its rich culture, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and innovation. However,the country has had a troubled past, including the 1994 genocide, but it has made strides in reconstruction and ethnic reconciliation, making it a safe and peaceful country.
The Rwandan genocide, also known as the genocide against the Tutsi,was a horrific event that occurred between April 7 and July 15, 1994. It lasted for approximately 100 days, and a total death toll of approximately 500000–800000 was
Recorded. An estimate of 250000–500000 Tutsi women were sexually violated during the genocide. The genocide was conceived by extremist elements of Rwanda’s majority (Hutus) who planned to kill the minority (Tutsis) and anyone who opposed the genocidal intentions.
The scale of brutality caused worldwide shock, but no country intervened to forcefully stop the killings. Victims were searched for everywhere, including churches and schools. It was a traumatizing moment, as most of the victims were in their own villages with their own villagers and neighbors.
The genocide has had impacts on Rwanda and the world. Today, in some places in Rwanda, survivors live side by side with the attackers in so-called reconciliation villages. It has also led to violent conflict in the DRC over the past thirty years. The Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Nyamata Genocide Memorial are dedicated to the victims of the genocide and serve as a reminder of the dark period in Rwanda’s history. They aim to educate about the causes, realities, and consequences of the genocide.
Despite various challenges, Rwanda has made significant strides in healing and rebuilding the nation. However, the process of reckoning with the genocide continues. Rwanda has embarked on ambitious justice and reconciliation processes, with the aim of all Rwandans living side by side in peace. Justice systems have emerged since more than 120,000 people were detained and accused of bearing criminal responsibility for participating in the killings.
Citizens have been educated, traditional courts (Gacaca courts) emerged, and the incident gained international recognition. Rwanda’s economic recovery after the 1994 genocide has been great. Also, it is one of the cleanest countries without much pollution in the world. Despite challenges, Rwanda continues to make significant strides in economic growth.
