The Rwanda Genocide Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Rwanda Genocide - Thesis Example The belief that one ethnic group was superior to the other is among the reasons why these events took place and they have remained a traumatic event in the history of Rwanda (De Lame 2009: 188). There have been attempts in recent years to reconcile the individuals who were on different sides during this genocide and this has been done in a manner, which is meant to ensure that Rwanda develops into a single cohesive society without any ethnic conflicts between the people of this state. Thus, in order to develop an understanding of the reasons behind the efforts of reconciliation, a discussion has to be made concerning the definition of ethnicity and the remedies, which can be used to ensure that it does not come to dominate the daily lives of individuals from different ethnic groups. In addition, a study of a similar process in South Africa has to be carried out and using this information develop an understanding of how to deal with reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. Apartheid South Africa, like Rwanda, was characterised by high levels of brutality and state-sponsored violence favouring one ethnic group over the other. It was in an attempt to deal with the aftermath of these instances that the government worked towards the development of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission where the truth concerning all the atrocities committed could be revealed so that all of the parties involved could find closure. This was essentially a dialogue between the oppressor and the oppressed and it was a means through which peace could be brought between them in a manner that prevented any potential conflict from taking place in the country because of past grievances (Gibson 2004: 40). However, while the South African commission was essentially created for political reasons since its purpose was to help in the transition from an autocratic system to a democratic one, any of such mechanisms that are developed in Rwanda should avoid any political allegiances.