The split between Hutus and Tutsis arose not as a result of religious or cultural differences, but economic ones. “Hutus” were people who farmed crops, while “Tutsis” were people who tended livestock. Most Rwandans were Hutus. Gradually, these class divisions became seen as ethnic designations.
What is the physical difference between the Hutu and Tutsi?
Physical distinction between Hutus and Tutsis is minor. Tutsis are much taller, have lighter skin, and a longer, more slender nose. A more relevant difference, however, was that Tutsis were cattle owners, and Hutus were farmers. The Twa were an aboriginal minority tribe.
Why did the Hutus and Tutsis hate each other?
Class Warfare. Generally, the Hutu-Tutsi strife stems from class warfare, with the Tutsis perceived to have greater wealth and social status (as well as favoring cattle ranching over what is seen as the lower-class farming of the Hutus).
How did the Rwandan genocide stop?
The RPF finally defeated the Rwandan government forces in Kigali on 4 July, and on 18 July took Gisenyi and the rest of the northwest, forcing the interim government to flee into Zaire and finally ending the genocide.
Are Hutu and Tutsi the same race?
“In Rwanda, the Tutsi and the Hutu are the same people. They are all people–large grouping or communities which go from seven regions of Cameroon to Uganda–all the way to South Africa, in the same culture,” Izangola said. “People used to be Tutsi or Hutu, depending on the proximity to the king.
How many Tutsi are alive today?
Tutsi
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Rwanda | 1-2 million (9%-15% of the total population) |
| Burundi | 1.7 million (14% of the total population) |
| DR Congo | 411,000 (0.4% of the total population) |
| Languages |
Who killed the Tutsis?
When the RPF invaded in October 1990, Habyarimana and the hardliners exploited the fear of the population to advance an anti-Tutsi agenda which became known as Hutu Power. Tutsi were increasingly viewed with suspicion. A pogrom was organised on 11 October 1990 in a commune in Gisenyi Province, killing 383 Tutsi.
