Ethnic Conflicts and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Rwanda
Open Access
- Author:
- Sainclair, Talia Kathryn
- Area of Honors:
- African and African American Studies
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Clemente K. Abrokwaa, Thesis Supervisor
Kevin J.A. Thomas, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Africa
Rwanda
Conflict
Conflict Resolution
Reconciliation
gacaca
genocide - Abstract:
- Conflict forms as an inevitable and fundamental aspect of human nature and coexistence, occurring due to natural differences in human interests, perceptions, desires, ambitions, and general dispositions. Conflict can occur, therefore, based on any range of issues including social, economic, political, cultural and religious beliefs. The purpose of this study is to examine the nature and causes of ethnic conflicts in Africa and the methods employed in resolving such conflicts. Specifically, it focuses on the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the conflict resolution strategies employed by the government in its attempts at mitigating ethnic tensions in the post-genocide period of the country. The objective is to seek effective methods to help prevent and resolve conflicts on the African continent. Several studies have been conducted on the Rwandan genocide that focus on the conflict itself and its causes, as well as the progress Rwanda has made in the twenty-two years since the end of the genocide. However, few studies have focused on the conflict resolution methods employed in the post-genocide period that enabled the country to recover from the effects of the conflict in 1994 to its current state of peace. This study aims to investigate the conflict resolution mechanisms employed by the government of Rwanda in an effort to achieve lasting peace, specifically the gacaca court system. The findings of the study did not confirm our original hypothesis, which stated, “The conflict resolution method employed in post 1994 Rwanda, specifically the gacaca courts, were effective in facilitating reconciliation between the Hutu and Tutsi and aided in the creation of a more peaceful society.” The study outlines several recommendations for improving the gacaca (or other gacaca-like) system. Data collection for this study included library resources, such as books, journals, newspapers, and Internet sources. Additionally, data also included interviews conducted by the author in May 2015, in Rwanda, with survivors involved in the conflict as well as the conflict resolution methods employed.