Ethnic Groups in Rwanda

Ethnic Groups In Rwanda

The most prevalent ethnic groups in Rwanda are the Hutus (about 85% of the population), the Tutsis (14%), and the Twa (1%). Starting with the Tutsi feudal monarchy rule of the Tenth century, the Hutus were a subjugated social group. It was not until Belgian colonization that the tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis became focused on race, the Belgians propagating the myth that Tutsis were the superior ethnicity. The resulting tensions would eventually foster the slaughtering of Tutsis in the Rwandan genocide. Since then, government policy has changed to recognize one main ethnicity: "Rwandan".

Read more about Ethnic Groups In Rwanda:  Pre-colonial Background of Rwanda, Origin Myths, Stratified Social Hierarchy, German and Belgian Colonization, Tutsi Political & Economic Hegemony, Hutu Race Theory, Post-colonial Framework, Ethnization of Hutu/Tutsi Identity Under Habyarimana, Ethnic Identity Cards in Contemporary Rwanda, Flexibility of Ethnic Identification, New Social Identities

Famous quotes containing the words ethnic and/or groups:

    Motherhood is the second oldest profession in the world. It never questions age, height, religious preference, health, political affiliation, citizenship, morality, ethnic background, marital status, economic level, convenience, or previous experience.
    Erma Bombeck (20th century)

    screenwriter
    Policemen so cherish their status as keepers of the peace and protectors of the public that they have occasionally been known to beat to death those citizens or groups who question that status.
    David Mamet (b. 1947)