Rwandan Genocide: Causes and Conflicts
Rwandan Genocide: Causes and Conflicts
Conflict Management
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Conflict Management
The Rwandan Genocide of 1994 was one of the worst occurrences following many years
of Hutu-Tutsi ethnical tensions. This ethnic conflict could be traced back to colonization and
intensified by post-independence political rivalry in the country, which led to the genocide of
800000 to 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus within 100 days (Fornance, 2009). This conflict
was not a simple one, but rather, it had historical, political, and social root causes, issues of
manipulation of ethnic identity, competition for political power, and the effects of colonialism.
The inability to intervene effectively again brought out the difficulties of managing and
addressing mass atrocities. The social and political impact of the Rwandan genocide is still
The Rwandan Genocide exemplifies several types of conflict. It depicts the intergroup
conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi ethnic groups in Rwanda. Therefore, this conflict
resulted from historical, social, and political factors and was compounded by colonialism. The
case also established intrastate conflict since the fighting was within the Rwandese territory and
the Rwandese people. Also, there are aspects of inter-organizational conflict, mainly between the
Rwandan government and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) (Gul & Klausner, 2016). This
level, the conflict between countries and world bodies such as the United Nations.
It also takes an identity form; the Hutu and Tutsi ethnicities define the conflict. This
identity conflict was thus not due to ethnic differences but to socially constructed categories that
were maintained and remobilized over time (Gul & Klausner, 2016; Fornance, 2009). The case
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also highlights structural violence since the Rwandan structure and the institutions that prevailed
in Rwandan society had, for some reason, provided space for inequalities and power struggles
between the two groups, hence fueling the violence (Neupane, 2022). Different kinds of conflict
The causes of conflict in the Rwandan Genocide are complex and rooted in Rwandan
history, with ethnic tensions as the leading cause. The first key source was the colonization of
Rwanda, during which the Europeans tended to divide Rwandans into two groups: the Hutu and
the Tutsi. This random classification by physical appearance and economic prowess set them up
as a class of people who appeared inferior to others and only deserved to be oppressed (Talmaciu
& Mărăcine, 2021). The division between the Hutus and Tutsis was also fueled by the policy of
the Belgian colonizers, who only gave administrative jobs to the Tutsis, which would set the
stage for future conflict. Political power and control were another major cause of conflict. After
the colonial masters left, the power switched to the Hutu, who then had the Tutsi discriminated
against. This power struggle was continued by following regimes, especially the current
President Habyarimana, who imposed a one-party system and fueled the Hutu-Tutsi ethnic
differences (Fornance, 2009). The political atmosphere that was created led to violence and
discrimination becoming a policy in the government, which fueled the conflict more.
Economic factors also contributed significantly to the escalation of the conflict. Lack of
resources and competition for limited opportunities were significant sources of intergroup
conflict (Talmaciu & Mărăcine, 2021). The noticeable economic differences between the Hutu
and Tutsi groups made the latter feel jealous and made it easy for the leaders to mobilize the
people in the wrong direction. Also, the invasion by RPF in 1990 introduced another factor of
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economic pressure because it stretched the available resources and increased the Hutu people’s
Media and propaganda cannot be left out as one of the causes of conflict. The Hutu
Power movement also used media as a tool to mobilize people to hate the Tutsis and treat them
as sub-human beings; in fact, the Tutsis were referred to as ‘cockroaches’ who needed to be
to violence and enlisting them to the genocide (Pembi et al., 2023). The media's influence in
shaping public opinion and fostering an environment of fear and hatred was a critical factor in
The immediate stakeholders in the Rwandan Genocide were the Hutus and Tutsis. The
Hutu majority, especially the Hutu Power activists, wanted to retain political and social
domination in the country. These included ensuring that they continued to dominate the political
institutions, the economy, and the social structures. On the other hand, the Tutsi group, Rwandan
discrimination and to reclaim their initial home without danger (Obeng-Baah et al., 2023). These
were the interests of the two groups that comprised the central conflict of their relationship.
The Rwandan government under President Habyarimana had a stake as part of the power-
holding group that sought to keep control in Rwanda. This also entailed suppressing resistance
from moderate Hutus and Tutsis (Fornance, 2009). Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mainly Tutsi
refugees, had a hostile intent to overthrow the incumbent leadership and work for the removal of
Tutsi from Rwanda. This is because their military activities, as well as the political ambitions
There were various parts that international stakeholders had with different stakes.
Burundi and Zaire (now DRC), for example, had their interests in the conflict given their internal
Hutu-Tutsi politics and refugee problems. France, Rwanda’s close ally, had its stakes in the
et al., 2023). Other international actors, such as the UN and individual countries, also had stakes
in keeping order in the region and avoiding another humanitarian disaster. However, their
(NGOs) were also stakeholders in providing humanitarian assistance, protecting civilians, and
advocating for human rights. Nevertheless, they rarely succeeded, mainly due to the increasing
tension that marked this period and the nature of the conflict on the ground (Francois, 2017). At
the same time, the activities of these organizations were often in opposition to the warring
factions who considered them as interfering in the internal affairs of the country. The media,
both national and international, was another stakeholder that was capable of framing and
informing people on various issues. Whereas some media outlets turned into propaganda devices
and encouragers of violence, others aimed at covering the emerging catastrophe and letting the
world know about the genocide (Francois, 2017). The desire to deliver the truth was always
damaging to the goals of the violent actors who wanted to shape the narrative and justify their
actions.
Two other conflict management approaches that could have been used in handling the
Rwandan Genocide are preventive diplomacy and peacekeeping with muscle to back their
operations. Preventive diplomacy is the diplomatic action taken towards avoiding an eventuality
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of a conflict and keeping it from spreading in case of a conflict. In the case of Rwanda, this could
have included, for example, the international community intervening earlier to try to cool the
rising tensions between the Hutus and the Tutsis (Chris et al., 2021). What diplomacy could have
been devoted to was the Rwandan government and the RPF, pushing for political changes that
would allow for a more representative government that would respond to the needs of the
Preventive diplomacy might have entailed the UN, regional African organizations, and
powerful states' continuous communication with all the involved parties. This might have
involved offering incentives to encourage non-violence, punitive measures against those calling
for violence, and encouraging local non-violent processes. If undertaken to eliminate the causes
of the conflict and encourage cooperation instead of violence, preventive diplomacy might have
possibly prevented the case from developing into genocide (Chris et al., 2021). However, to have
used this strategy would have called for an early assessment of the early signals and a firm
The second is peacekeeping, which has a more proactive mandate than traditional
peacekeeping operations. Although there was a United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda
known as UNAMIR, it lacked the necessary funding, and its work was significantly constrained
by the very narrow terms of reference it was given. Instead, they should have used a much larger
and equipped UN peacekeeping force with clear directives for protecting civilians and stopping
the violence (Chris et al., 2021). This force would require the right to apply force as much as it is
exerted to protect the vulnerable populace and to disband militias. The peacekeepers could have
protected the civilians, implemented and supervised the agreements during the ceasefire
It could also have assisted in providing a solid peacekeeping mission that would have
also helped in providing a platform for negotiations between the warring factions, providing
security to strategic facilities, and facilitating the implementation of the peace agreements. This
would have demanded much-needed support from member states of the UN regarding troops,
resources, and political determination (Chris et al., 2021). Had there been a professional and
well-equipped peacekeeping operation with a clear mandate for the protection of civilians, the
level of violence could have been considerably reduced, and the genocide could have been
eliminated.
The approach that could have been used to solve the conflict in Rwanda was preventive
diplomacy together with efficient deployment of the peacekeeping force; therefore, the solution
requires a strong commitment from the international community to solve the root cause of the
conflict. This strategy would endeavor to dial down the level of violence even as it would efforts
to establish sustainable peace and order, and this would require the involvement of the
stakeholders.
Implement a temporary arms embargo to limit the flow of weapons into the country.
Expand peacekeeping operations to cover the entire country, ensuring protection for all
civilians.
Initiate a national dialogue process, including representatives from all major groups and
civil society.
Begin disarmament programs for militia groups and integrate willing members into
Implement a media monitoring system to prevent the spread of hate speech and promote
responsible journalism.
promote healing.
Reform the education system to promote unity and challenge historical narratives that
fuel division.
rural areas.
Implement a comprehensive justice system reform to ensure fair treatment for all citizens.
Develop regional cooperation initiatives to address refugee issues and promote economic
integration.
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conflict.
In all the stages, there would be a keen emphasis on the locally driven approach in the
hope that Rwandans themselves will drive the peace process. Foreign support is significant,
including funding, skilled aid, and diplomatic endorsement. Since change is inevitable, it is clear
that there is a need to do assessments and revise the plan occasionally. This concept provides an
effective way of putting an end to violence and, at the same time, addressing some of the causes
that led to the violence. This plan seeks to establish sustainable peace in Rwanda by integrating
security measures alongside words and actions of reconciliation and sustainable development
goals and projects. This strategy would work provided that the international community
continued to support it, all parties to the peace process stayed committed to it, and the process
Conclusion
The Rwandan Genocide is considered one of the worst cases of conflict negligence and
non-solved in modern history. The history, social, and political relations combined to lay down a
situation that finally had the potential for violent catastrophe. Therefore, it is possible to learn
from this experience by analyzing the types and sources of conflict, defining the main
stakeholders, and considering the potential options for conflict management to avoid similar
conflicts in the future. The case points to the need to introduce early intervention mechanisms,
enhanced international response, and more focus on the causes of conflict. It underscores the
importance of peacekeeping operations that are well-coordinated and well-defined with a proper
endowment. Besides, it stresses state and human rights building, good governance, economic
recovery, and reconciliation processes in societies emerging from conflict. The contemporary
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world is still witnessing numerous conflicts, and, unfortunately, the international community
cannot remain passive in this regard, developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for
Annotated Bibliography
Types of Conflict
Gul, S., & Klausner, M. (2016). Organizational conflict and its management. In M. A.
This source gives an account of different types of organizational conflict. The authors
identify five main categories: The elements of conflict can be categorized as intrapersonal,
conflict that takes place within the organization, for instance, conflicts arising from role conflicts
and ethical dilemmas. Interpersonal conflict is a clash between two persons mainly due to
personality or because the two persons are competing for a particular resource. Intragroup
conflict can be defined as the conflict that takes place within a group in an organization. On the
other hand, intergroup conflict is the conflict that happens between two or more groups in an
organizations, which can be a result of rivalry or dependence. The authors stress that identifying
these conflict types is vital for managing and solving organizational conflicts. They also discuss
how conflicts might positively and negatively affect organizational output and employee
relationships.
Neupane provides an in-depth analysis of five organizational conflict types. Thus, there
resulting from personality differences or the struggle for resources. Interparty conflict refers to
animosity between two or more parties or groups within an organization, for instance, the
organizational conflict is a conflict that happens between organizations and may be a result of
rivalry or dependency between the organizations. The article highlights the need to appreciate
Hussein, A. F. F., & Al-Mamary, Y. H. S. (2019). Conflicts: Their types and their negative
This paper categorizes conflicts into six types: intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup,
intergroup, intra-organizational, and inter-organizational. The authors overview each type and
then expound on how conflicts appear at various organizational levels and their effects.
Intrapersonal conflicts are those conflicts that occur within a person, while interpersonal
conflicts are those that happen between two or more people because of differing goals or
perceptions. Intragroup conflict happens within a group, while intergroup conflict happens
between different groups in organizations; in both cases, reduced productivity results if conflict
is not well handled. The paper also shows that internal conflicts can be organizational conflicts
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since conflicts within an organization emanate from conflicts between organizational units. At
the same time, conflicts between organizations can also be referred to as organizational conflicts
since they exist between them. The authors stress that although the term implies negativity,
conflicts should be seen to bring about positive effects, including stimulating creativity and
enhancing decisions.
[Link]
In this article, the author thoroughly analyzes conflict types based on the organizational
levels and the multifaceted effects accompanying them. The four common conflicts described are
people experience a conflict of interest between their formal roles and their capacity within an
organization, which causes them stress and internal tension. Interpersonal conflicts are those
conflicts that take place between two or more people as a result of varying aims, beliefs, or
needs, often leading to misunderstandings. Inter-group conflicts arise when the people in the
different groups have different behaviors or emotions, which can impact the cohesiveness and
productivity of the group. Such conflicts occur within groups in a given organization and are
mainly a result of rivalry, differences in objectives, or authority struggles. The author also
describes conflict management and the nature of conflict as constructive or destructive based on
the outcome.
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Sources of Conflict
struggles, self-interest, and lack of resource sharing. When there is no communication, conflicts
arise due to competition, and gaps are filled with negative expectations towards other people.
Due to personality differences, which are influenced by people's experiences, employees may
have conflicting interests. They may act in a way that the other party perceives as self-serving.
Conflicting values add to these tensions mainly because the employees have strong beliefs
from management or other people in general can result in misunderstanding and stress, which
may develop into quarrels. Competition and hostility are inevitable when resources, material or
non-material, are scarce, and interests clash in organizations and institutions. The sources of
conflict are discussed in this paper to understand how they can be managed so that they do not
Talmaciu, I., & Mărăcine, M. (2021). Sources of conflicts within organizations and methods
This paper discusses the various possible causes of organizational conflict: Structural,
Interpersonal, and Intergroup conflict. Some significant causes are lack of communication,
cultural conflict of values, and resource conflicts. The authors also state that the absence of
organizational uncertainties, such as ambiguous responsibilities or ill-defined tasks that are likely
to cause tensions between different departments or groups. In addition, competition for limited
resources such as financial, physical, or human resources escalates rivalry, where departments or
communities are interdependent on any of these resources. The paper also stresses the need to
identify these sources of conflicts early to apply suitable approaches to conflict management to
uphold organizational stability. Other sources of conflict include misaligned incentives, power
Pembi, S., Ikemefuna, M., Kibikiwa, G. M., & Zoakah, J. D. (2023). Conflict in
[Link]
The authors analyze the various sources of conflict in organizations, considering that
This work reveals that management style, wages, working conditions, and non-recognition of
trade unions are significant sources of organizational conflict. Conflicts can be attributed to
issues related to power struggles and competition for resources. The authors emphasize that it is
crucial to identify and manage those conflicts in order to minimize adverse effects on business
performance and workers’ motivation. The paper presents information about the sources of
conflicts and offers methods of managing the conflicts. Additional sources of conflict
highlighted include miscommunication, lack of clear job roles, personality clashes in people,
all of which can exacerbate tensions and lead to prolonged disputes within the organization if not
adequately addressed.
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Talmaciu, I., & Mărăcine, M. (2020). Sources of conflicts within organizations and methods
Talmaciu and Mărăcine (2020) explore antecedents of conflict in organizations and type
them into intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts. The paper recognizes lack of communication,
conflict of values, and rivalry for scarce needs as significant causes. Lack of communication
skills may result in communication breakdowns when handling conflict situations, and conflict
may arise when there is a divergence in the employees’ values. Battles for shares usually
increase rivalry, especially when several people or teams struggle for the same things. The
authors also consider structural factors, such as role and status relationships, which are either
unclear or blurred, as a source of conflict. In order to address these conflicts, the paper provides
measures for handling the conflicts through negotiations, mediation, and structured
communication. Suppose these sources are managed, and efficient conflict-handling methods are
adopted within an organization. In that case, the organizational climate will improve,
productivity will increase, and it will be easier for people to relate better with each other in the
workplace.
The sources present two primary methods of conflict resolution: settlement of conflicts
and conflict transformation. The first is to do with an attempt to seek to resolve the dispute by
addressing the concerns that led to the formation of the dispute. The aim is to devise a decision
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or settlement acceptable to the two parties, primarily through bargaining, compromise, or a third
party. The idea is that the fighting or antagonism is ended with the settlement. However, the
fundamental causes of the conflict have not been solved. Galtung sees this as a short-term
solution, where most conflicts may not be solved, which may cause more conflicts in the future.
The second approach that Galtung promotes for this method is more inclusive. Conflict
transformation aims to transform the root causes of problems, either social, political, or
economic. This is unlike the traditional conflict-solving strategies that focus on solving the
conflict without trying to understand prejudice, unfairness, or cultural differences that contribute
to its cause. This method seeks to understand the relationships, attitudes, and conditions that
define the conflict to bring about lasting peace. Galtung also notes that conflict transformation is
a process of dialogues, structural changes, and constructing positive peace that means the end of
Benedikt, A., Susło, R., Paplicki, M., & Drobnik, J. (2020). Mediation as an alternative
This piece examines the role of mediation as one of the significant techniques for
resolving conflicts, with particular reference to the case of Poland. The authors also present
conflict without force. This is easily made possible through the assistance of a third party, the
mediator, who does not determine the outcome but helps the parties in dispute come up with the
solution. Mediation is particularly preferred because of its relatively low cost and given that it is
always confidential and does not destroy relationships between the parties. The analysis also
likely to incur a cost, notably in malpractice lawsuits. Additionally, the authors highlight the
Nnaemeka (2019) further details various conflict management techniques and has divided
them into preventive and interventionist techniques. Preventive strategies, which include good
governance, trust enhancement, and communication strategies, ensure that conflicts do not occur
in the first place. Meanwhile, reactive methods are used to handle conflicts that have already
independent person with no interest in the dispute intervenes and tries to help the parties express
their grievances and reach a common understanding. In addition to the above passive
approaches, the paper also covers other reactive approaches such as negotiation, conciliation,
arbitration, and litigation, which, although they share some similarities in their processes, have
unique advantages. Nnaemeka further emphasizes that the effectiveness of these methods is in
dealing with the root causes of the conflict so that the outcomes of the conflict resolution are
satisfactory to all the parties, thus avoiding the possibility of the continuation of conflicts and the
Ajayi, A. T., & Buhari, L. O. (2014). Methods of Conflict Resolution in African Traditional
[Link]
Ajayi and Buhari (2014) provide a detailed account of how conflict resolution was
managed in African societies with particular reference to Yoruba and Igbo of Nigeria and Pondo
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of South Africa. The authors also describe different conflict-solving methods, such as mediation,
involves the use of elders or other respected individuals who are not part of the conflict to help
the disputants negotiate a solution. Adjudication is a more structured process where disputes are
resolved by the council of elders or traditional leaders in the presence of community members.
Reparation, usually done after a hearing, is the process of repairing relationships severed by
performing certain rites and ceremonies that remind the society of the unity that needs to be
observed. The authors opine that these time-tested methodologies are much more appropriate for
sustaining harmonious relationships and preventing relapses of conflict than the Western style of
References
Ajayi, A. T., & Buhari, L. O. (2014). Methods of Conflict Resolution in African Traditional
Benedikt, A., Susło, R., Paplicki, M., & Drobnik, J. (2020). Mediation as an alternative method
of conflict resolution: A practical approach. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review,
Chris, O. I., Victor, O., & Felicia, C. (2021). Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), conflict
Francois, M. (2017). Role of civil society organizations in conflict and post-conflict situations in
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Gul, S., & Klausner, M. (2016). Organizational conflict and its management. In M. A. Khan
(Ed.), Diverse contemporary issues facing business management education (pp. 34-53).
Hussein, A. F. F., & Al-Mamary, Y. H. S. (2019). Conflicts: Their types and their negative and
Obeng-Baah, J., Odoom, D., & Agyepong, L. (2023). Appreciating the Theoretical Perspectives
of the Rwandan Genocide: Implications for Conflict Resolution Practice. African Journal
Pembi, S., Ikemefuna, M., Kibikiwa, G. M., & Zoakah, J. D. (2023). Conflict in Organisations:
[Link]
Talmaciu, I., & Mărăcine, M. (n.d.). Sources of conflicts within organizations and methods of
Policy-Making: With a Foreword by Olli Rehn and a Preface by Allan Rosas (pp. 279-