Polarization and PersecutionThe MNRD and Interahamwe used all forms of media available to spread the Hutu power ideology. The message was clear: the Hutus were better than the Tutsis.
When the President’s plane crashed, propaganda and media were used effectively and efficiently to blame the Tutsi’s. The Tutsis were scapegoats. The government set up roadblocks where citizens had to provide ID cards. The government also released list of Tutsi and Hutu moderated to be killed, over the Hutu hate radio. |
Preparation
"When the genocide began, they had bought and distributed the equivalent of one
machete for every three Hutu males and, with breathtaking cynicism, manipulated
the media and state institutions to stoke anti-Tutsi passions to a fever pitch"
(Melvern, Foreign Affairs)."Tutsis could then be easily pulled from cars at roadblocks and murdered. Throwing away the [Identification] cards did not help, because anyone who could not prove he was Hutu, was presumed to be Tutsi. Hutu militiamen conducted crude mouth exams to test claims of Hutu identity" (Stanton Genocidewatch.org). Political leaders who might have been able to take charge of the situation and other high profile opponents of the Hutu extremist plans were killed immediately.
machete for every three Hutu males and, with breathtaking cynicism, manipulated
the media and state institutions to stoke anti-Tutsi passions to a fever pitch"
(Melvern, Foreign Affairs)."Tutsis could then be easily pulled from cars at roadblocks and murdered. Throwing away the [Identification] cards did not help, because anyone who could not prove he was Hutu, was presumed to be Tutsi. Hutu militiamen conducted crude mouth exams to test claims of Hutu identity" (Stanton Genocidewatch.org). Political leaders who might have been able to take charge of the situation and other high profile opponents of the Hutu extremist plans were killed immediately.