Causes and impacts of the Rwanda Revolution of 1959

Causes of the Rwanda Revolution of 1959

The Rwandan Revolution of 1959, also known as the Hutu Revolution or Social Revolution, was a period of intense ethnic violence between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups in Rwanda.

1. Ethnic Tensions: The Tutsi minority had long held political and economic power, often at the expense of the Hutu majority. This created deep-seated resentment and tension between the two groups.
2. Colonial Legacy: Both German and Belgian colonial rule exacerbated ethnic divisions by favoring the Tutsi and implementing policies that marginalized the Hutu. The Belgians, in particular, used the Tutsi as intermediaries in their indirect rule.
3. Land Inequality: The Tutsi minority owned most of the land, and land allocation policies favored them, leading to significant land inequality. This fueled discontent among the Hutu, who were often forced to work on Tutsi-owned land.
4. Cultural Arrogance: The Tutsi claimed divine right and superiority, which further alienated the Hutu and contributed to ethnic animosity.
5. Oppressive Rule: The Tutsi monarchy and colonial authorities imposed heavy taxes and forced labor on the Hutu, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.
6. Post-WWII Changes: After World War II, the United Nations called for decolonization, and the Hutu elite began to push for political reforms and an end to Tutsi domination.
7. Hutu Manifesto: In 1957, the Hutu elites produced a manifesto calling for radical reforms and an end to Tutsi domination. This manifesto galvanized the Hutu population and set the stage for the revolution.
8. Inciting Incident: The revolution was sparked by an attack on a Hutu sub-chief, Dominique Mbonyumutwa, by Tutsi extremists in November 1959. This led to riots and arson attacks on Tutsi homes, escalating into widespread violence.
9. The outbreak of famine 1945: The famine severely affected the landless Hutus causing deaths while the Tutsi with abundant land and means of production were less affected. This frustrated the Hutus into a revolution.

These factors collectively led to the Rwanda Revolution of 1959, resulting in significant social and political changes in the country.

Impact of the 1959 Rwanda Revolution

The 1959 Rwanda Revolution had profound and lasting impacts on the country and the region.

1. End of Tutsi Monarchy: The revolution led to the overthrow of the Tutsi monarchy and the establishment of a republican form of government. The last Tutsi king, Kigeli V, fled the country.
2. Hutu Dominance: The revolution resulted in the rise of the Hutu elite to power. Hutu parties won the local elections organized by the Belgians in 1960, and Rwanda declared itself an autonomous republic in 1961.
3. Tutsi Refugees: The revolution caused the displacement of at least 336,000 Tutsi who fled to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Burundi, Congo, and Tanzania. This created long-term refugee problems and Tutsi nationalism in exile.
4. Political Instability: The revolution and subsequent events led to political instability in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region. Tutsi refugees formed armed groups and launched attacks into Rwanda, leading to further violence.
5. Rise of Hutu Nationalism: The revolution entrenched Hutu nationalism and led to the formation of the Parmehutu Party, which dominated Rwandan politics for years.
6. Economic and Social Changes: The revolution and the subsequent changes in government led to significant economic and social transformations in Rwanda. The new Hutu-dominated government implemented policies that aimed to redistribute land and resources.
7. Long-term Ethnic Tensions: The revolution set the stage for future ethnic tensions and conflicts, including the 1994 genocide. The deep-seated animosity between the Hutu and Tutsi continued to affect the country’s social and political landscape.
8. International Involvement: The revolution and its aftermath saw continued international involvement in Rwanda’s affairs, with countries like Belgium and France providing economic and military aid to the Hutu government.
9. Loss of lives and property: The war was very costly in form of human life and property.
10. Tribal tensions in Burundi: The occurrence of Rwanda revolution inspired the Tutsi in Burundi to massacre many Hutus in Burundi in 1978. This provoked also the Hutus in Rwanda to revenge slaughtering many Tutsis causing instability in the Great lake’s region.

These impacts collectively shaped Rwanda’s history and had lasting implications for the country and the region.

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Dr. Bbosa Science