Playing Politics with Genocide in Rwanda

by Michelle . · 2010-02-11 09:03:00 UTC
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It didn't take long for genocide to become a political tool in Rwanda.

The administration of Paul Kagame, which has ruled Rwanda ever since overthrowing the genocidal government in 1994, has become increasingly authoritarian in recent years, and has taken to violently intimidating its political opposition in the run-up to presidential elections. Accusations of involvement in the genocide are being used to discredit those who criticize the regime. Kagame even threatened one candidate with prosecution for remarks about the need to investigate the deaths of many Hutus during the genocide -- a serious charge also levied against Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front militia, who refuse to acknowledge the summary reprisal executions of Hutu civilians as they took over the country during the genocide.

Restoring peace and security in a country torn apart by a genocide committed by neighbors against neighbors is no easy task, and the paranoia over a resumption of violence cannot be understood by anyone who did not live through the massacre. But a harsh autocracy and violent suppression of dissent will do nothing but sow the seeds of future resentment, and increase the likelihood of a return to violence.

And using the memory of the genocide to advance one's political aims is an insult to those who perished, and those who survived.

Photo credit: World Economic Forum

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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