One Hundred Days

Definition

The One Hundred Days refers to the brief period in 1994 when the Rwandan Genocide occurred, resulting in the mass slaughter of an estimated 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsi, by Hutu extremists. This devastating event is a stark example of mass atrocities since 1945, highlighting how ethnic tensions and political instability can culminate in horrific violence against civilian populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Rwandan Genocide lasted from April 6 to July 15, 1994, during which the Hutu-led government orchestrated mass killings of Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
2. The genocide was precipitated by long-standing ethnic tensions exacerbated by colonial rule and political power struggles in Rwanda.
3. The international community largely failed to intervene during the genocide, with limited responses from global powers despite clear warnings about the impending violence.
4. The aftermath of the genocide led to a massive refugee crisis as millions of Rwandans fled to neighboring countries to escape the violence.
5. In 1998, the ICTR began its work to prosecute key figures behind the genocide, serving as a crucial step in seeking justice and accountability for mass atrocities.

Review Questions

• How did historical context and colonial rule contribute to the events of the One Hundred Days in Rwanda?
  • The events leading up to the One Hundred Days were deeply rooted in Rwanda's history, particularly colonial policies that favored the Tutsi minority over the Hutu majority. These divisions were exacerbated during Belgian colonial rule, which institutionalized ethnic identities and created social hierarchies. After independence in 1962, tensions continued to escalate due to political power struggles and violence between the two groups, ultimately setting the stage for the horrific events of the genocide.
• What role did the international community play during the One Hundred Days, and how did their response impact the course of events?
  • The international community's response during the One Hundred Days was largely inadequate and characterized by inaction. Despite receiving intelligence about escalating violence and warnings from humanitarian organizations, countries like the United States and France hesitated to intervene militarily. This lack of decisive action allowed the genocide to unfold with minimal resistance, highlighting a failure of global responsibility to protect vulnerable populations from mass atrocities.
• Evaluate the significance of establishing the ICTR after the One Hundred Days in terms of justice and accountability for mass atrocities.
  • Establishing the ICTR was a significant step towards achieving justice and accountability for those responsible for the Rwandan Genocide. The tribunal aimed not only to prosecute key perpetrators but also to establish a historical record of events and promote reconciliation in Rwandan society. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the ICTR sought to deter future genocides and reaffirm international norms against impunity. The tribunal's proceedings contributed to broader discussions on human rights and justice for victims of mass atrocities globally.

Related terms

Genocide: The intentional action to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, often involving systematic mass killings.

Ethnic Cleansing: The attempt to establish a region or area as ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove individuals of particular ethnic groups.

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR): A court established by the United Nations to prosecute those responsible for the Rwandan Genocide and other serious violations of international law committed in Rwanda.