The Dual Role of Religion Regarding the Rwandan 1994 Genocide Both Instigator and Healer

In 1994, Rwanda experienced a genocide in which an estimated 1000,000 people were killed during a little more than 100 days. Basically, Hutu hardliners killed Tutsis and Tutsi sympathizers among the Hutus. Although the genocide was triggered by the shooting down of President Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane on April 6, the tragedy was obviously preceded by a long The Dual Role of Religion Regarding the Rwandan 1994 Genocide Both Instigator and Healer history of oppression and conflict between the two ethnic groups. The present study examines the complex role religion has played in this catastrophe: first as an instigator and enhancer of the conflict between Hutus and Tutsis, and later as a coping mechanism and healer of the pain and suffering induced by the genocide. Throughout history, religion has been important for the Rwandans. Until the eve of colonialism, Rwandans believed in Imana (God), a supreme being; they also called him Rurema (the Maker), or