Rwanda: Causes

Historical Background

Prior to the genocide, there existed a longstanding ethnic tension between Hutus (85% of population) and Tutsis (14% of population).
Colonial rule: Original divisions intensified under Belgian colonial rule (1916 - 1962) when Belgian authorities invested authority and privilege within the Tutsi minority.
On gaining independence in 1962, Rwanda was run by a Hutu government which proposed policies disfavouring Tutsis, including periodic pogroms.

Socioeconomic Factors

Pre-genocide Rwanda was faced with high levels of unemployment and poverty, particularly among the Hutu majority.
The increase in population density also created land scarcity, fuelling existing ethnic tensions.
Structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) imposed by the IMF and World Bank led to cuts and privatisation in Rwanda’s social sector.

Political Factors

The rise of a Hutu Power movement that emerged from the ranks of the ruling elite and the military, who saw the idea of a power-sharing peace agreement as a direct threat to their control.
President Habyarimana’s plane crash: His death (April 6, 1994) sparked off the actual genocide as he was seen as moderate who blocked Hutu radicals.

Prime prep factors and Crisis

Arusha Accords: The power-sharing agreement between the Rwandan government and the Tutsi rebels (Rwandan Patriotic Front) enraged Hutu extremists.
Importation of arms and machetes ahead of genocide, establishment of Hutu militia groups like Interahamwe.
Extensive use of mass media, especially radio stations like RTLM, to disseminate hate speech and incite violence.
The failure of the United Nations and the international community, including Belgium and France, to prevent the genocide.