What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide?

The Rwandan genocide, which occurred in 1994, was a result of various complex factors. One of the fundamental causes was historical ethnic tensions between the two main ethnic groups in Rwanda: the Hutus and the Tutsis. Colonial powers played a role in heightening these tensions, as they favored the Tutsis, causing resentment among the Hutus. Additionally, a combination of political, economic, and social factors further escalated the tensions. The assassination of the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, served as the immediate trigger for the genocide, unleashing a wave of violence and mass killings. Hate speech and propaganda spread through various forms of media further fueled the ethnic divisions and incited violence. The lack of international intervention and the failure of the United Nations to prevent or effectively respond to the genocide also contributed to its immense scale and brutality.

This mind map was published on 23 October 2023 and has been viewed 103 times.