ARMED CONFLICT IN RWANDA, USING THE GREED AND `GRIEVANCE THEORIES

Abstract

Rwanda is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Rwanda was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century and later came under Belgian rule after World War I. The Belgians introduced a system of ethnic identification, categorizing the population into the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa ethnic groups, which would later exacerbate tensions within Rwandan society. Historically, Rwanda's population was predominantly Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The Hutu were traditionally farmers, the Tutsi were cattle herders, and the Twa were hunter-gatherers. However, these distinctions were not purely ethnic but also socio-economic. Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962. Following independence, political tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi escalated, leading to periodic violence and instability. The most tragic event in Rwanda's recent history is the genocide that occurred in 1994. In a span of 100 days, an estimated 800,000 to 1 million Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed by extremist Hutu militias.¹ The genocide was sparked by the assassination of President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, but underlying ethnic tensions and political grievances played a significant role. In the aftermath of the genocide, Rwanda faced immense challenges in rebuilding its shattered society and economy. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the government embarked on a path of reconciliation, justice, and economic development. Rwanda has since made remarkable progress in areas such as economic growth, healthcare, and education. Today, Rwanda is known for its efforts in reconciliation and nation building. It has achieved notable success in promoting gender equality, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. However, the country still grapples with issues such as political repression, human rights concerns, and regional tensions. Understanding Rwanda's historical background and socio-political context is crucial for analyzing the drivers of armed conflict in the country, as it provides insights into the complex dynamics that have shaped its history and continue to influence its presentday challenges. This paper aim to address the above issues using the greed and grievance theories.