Rwanda in BRIEF

Most African tribes are known by their unique traits. The Rwandans have been known for their distrustful nature for generations. In this 'land of a thousand hills' there is less of a community feel since farms and families are separated by the dramatically hilly landscapes. Rwanda was colonized by Belgium. They brought the French language, European culture, churches, and a status symbol separating the two main tribes of Rwanda. They favored the tall Tutsi tribe with the better jobs than the Hutu tribe. Eventually independence came and a Hutu was elected president. Years of racism culminated in hate propaganda; and when the president was assassinated, Hutus joined together using it as an excuse to begin killings against the formerly favored tribe. In 1994 Rwandan Hutus killed eight hundred thousand Tutsis in one hundred days.

Almost one million. Hard to comprehend? Annie Dillard puts it in perspective: Just imagine yourself, in all your uniqueness, individuality and passion, and multiply it by 800,000. Easy, huh?

Rwanda now struggles to overcome the genocide. Memorials are throughout the countryside: Churches with bullet-holes preserve the stories of mass killings that happened in places people gathered for safety. People throughout the misty hills suffer with nightmares. From where I sit and type I can see soldiers posted to march around this area and make their presence known to the Interhamwe that hides in the Congo and hopes to return.

Gachachas are haphazard courts in an attempt for justice from a time when neighbor killed neighbor. Yesterday one met outside of the Shyira primary school. It's one's word against another, and with the Rwandese's history of mistrust it breeds paranoia. One member of the church has gone missing. People say he's innocent, but people also say his brother is innocent and he has been imprisoned for 13 years because of someone's accusation. He is fearing the same.

There is hope for the Rwandans. Progress is also visible in this country. Despite the corruption of many East African countries, Rwanda's government is very active and not corrupt.
Many NGO's have a strong presence in the country. In Rwanda, one day a month is 'community day' for projects. There is no trash and no street food. In the capital city of Kigali flip flops, spitting, and bota bikes are outlawed. It almost doesn't feel like Africa seeing a goverment so involved. I can tell it will be a pleasure to live in this unique place.