Knowt
COMS 361 - Lecture 4, The Rwanda Genocide
Introduction to War and Propaganda
Wars are complex and context-dependent, requiring understanding of historical, political, and social backgrounds.
Case study focus: Rwanda Genocide (April to July 1994).
Reading: "RTLM Propaganda: The Democratic Alibi" by Jean-Pierre Chrétien.
Examines the role of media in promoting violence against the Tutsi population.
Highlights the use of dehumanizing language (e.g., "cockroaches") in propaganda.
Effectiveness of propaganda in shaping public perception and camouflaging genocide as democratic mobilization.
Interview with Professor Josias Semujanga
Background of the Interviewee
Professor of French Literature, Université de Montréal.
Expertise in the Rwandan genocide since publishing first article in 1996.
Focuses on the relationship between literature and genocide.
Overview of the Rwandan Genocide
Known as the Genocide against the Tutsi, it was the systematic massacre of Tutsi people.
Context: civil war began in 1990, post-independence political conflict.
Political party Parmehutu fueled Hutu resentment and division against Tutsis.
Historical massacres of Tutsis occurred in the 1960s.
1990: Tutsi exiles revolted for equality, leading to war.
Peace deals in 1992 intended to share power but were undermined by extremist factions.
Initial Acts of Violence
Assassination of President Habyarimana coincided with the start of genocide.
Targeting of liberal Hutus and leaders willing to share power.
Complexity of the Genocide
Division and quotas in education and government marginalized Tutsis.
Failure of elites to create inclusive governance laid groundwork for genocide.
Role of Propaganda before and during the Genocide
Pre-Genocide Propaganda
Rhetoric from the 1960s resurfaced, portraying Tutsis as foreigners and enemies.
Emergence of extremist political parties and media outlets promoting anti-Tutsi propaganda.
Newspapers like "Kangura" disseminated hateful content and served as instruments of manipulation.
Propaganda reinforced negative stereotypes, inciting violence against Tutsis.
Media's Role During the Genocide
Radio-Télévision des Mille Collines incited murder, contributing to mass violence.
Manipulation tactics, such as revealing names of resisting officials, facilitated killings.
Establishment of roadblocks and identity checks helped identify and target Tutsis.
Farmers were exploited for their possessions, and community participation in killings organized under pretext of traditional hunts.
International Media and Response
International media played a crucial role in exposing the genocide, led by General Dallaire of UN forces.
Resisted withdrawal of UN troops and collaborated with journalists to inform the global audience.
Media's Role Post-Genocide
Rebuilding and National Identity
Local media aligned with new government aimed to promote nationalism and unity in Rwanda.
Importance of transcending ethnic divisions emphasized for rebuilding society.
Ongoing Challenges in Coverage
International media's portrayal of the genocide criticized for potential bias and narratives undermining its significance.
Comparison to other genocides indicated a racialized perception in media discourse.
Lessons Learned from Rwandan Genocide
Propaganda can create harmful racial divisions, even among homogeneous groups.
Need for vigilance against populist rhetoric that polarizes society.
Highlighting positive actions during genocide as examples of humanity amid horror.
