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Rwanda

This small, mountainous region is the home of the Banyarwanda people, divided into three groups: the Tutsi, the Hutu, and the Twa. The country developed a lord/serf society, with the cattle owning Tutsi in charge, and the Hutu as farmers. Tutsi domination was reinforced by German / Belgian colonization from 1890. Since independence in 1962 continued violence has erupted between the two factions.

The Rwandan Genocide
Why was there such strong antagonism between the Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda? What Role did European colonization play? Was the 1994 genocide the first outbreak of violence? Find out more about the origins of the Rwandan Genocide.

The Rwandan Genocide -- Part 2
When the plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda and President Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi was brought down by a missile on its approach to Kigali airport on 6 April 1994 it signaled the start of what in now known as the Rwandan Genocide.

Quotes: Rwandan Genocide
A Selection of Quotes About The Rwandan Genocide.

Background Notes: Rwanda
A useful potted history is included with these US Department of State Background Notes on Rwanda. Also included is a range of political, economic, and geographical data, as well as information on its people, defense, and relations with the US.

Rwanda History from Lonely Planet
A quirky, colloquial presentation of Rwanda’s history presented by LonelyPlanet.com. Makes awfully good reading and may galvanize your interest in Africa’s regional history. Not only suitable for travelers.

Rwanda - a Country Profile from the BBC
An extremely brief historical overview accompanies this BBC Country Profile of Rwanda. Of particular interest are the simplified regional map (see where the country is in Africa), a photograph of Rwanda’s current Chief of State, and details about the countries media.

Timeline for Rwanda from the BBC
A chronology of important events in the history of Rwanda given by year (and for more recent events by month also).

CIA World Fact Book: Rwanda
A useful map and a range of geographical, political, and economic facts which are mostly up-to-date. Unfortunately this country profile lacks historical information (except for independence date), but the population statistics are probably the best available.

Rwanda's Chief of State and Cabinet Ministers
Updated weekly, this list of Rwanda's Chief of State and Cabinet Ministers is provided by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America.

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