Tension between the Hutu and Tutsi people started when the Tutsi imposed their desire for power on the former group. Originally known as the Cushite, the Tutsi moved to Rwanda from the southern Ethiopian highlands some time in the 14th century.  The Hutu were farmers, and Tutsis largely took on the role of cattle raisers. Among them lived the Twa people, who were known as Hunter Gatherers and made up only 3% of the Rwanda population. The Tutsi on the other hand maintained about 15% of the population with the Hutus covered over 80%. 

Despite making up only 15% of the population, the Tutsi people gained their superiority complex from their distinct features and mannerisms. Their physical features included longer thin noses, high cheekbones, and tall stature. Additionally, Tutsi people were several shades lighter than the Hutu. By contrast, the Hutu people were short, wide-nosed and were described as ‘uncivilized’. Colonization without a doubt influenced these dynamics given the Tutsis eurocentric features. The Hutu only took issue with the Tutsis when the Tutsi people demanded elevated treatment solely based on their physical features. According to Tutsi beliefs, Tutsi people were cattle-herding warriors and that made them above all Hutu and Twa (6).  For this reason, they believed that it was the destiny of the Hutu to serve them as kings and leaders. Although the Hutus rejected the idea entirely, Tutsis enforced their beliefs after infiltrating Rwanda sovereignty in the 17th century. 

Tutsi leaders reigned over Rwanda in the 17th century. The first official Tutsi king was King Ruganzu Ndori, who, under several circumstances, saved the Rwanda people from starvation by restoring fertility in the land (2).  Under Tutsi leadership, Rwanda became a source of wealth. 

Hutu who were rich enough were considered part of the elite while the poor ones remained isolated from society. Misusing their power, the Tutsi only taxed financially unstable Hutus, which created a divide among the Hutu people. These taxes contributed to the serf lifestyle of many Hutus while also ensuring a luxurious lifestyle for Tutsis. This dynamic went on for hundreds of years (6). Unable to cope with mistreatment, Hutus developed deep resentment against the Tutsis. By 1980, that simmering resentment erupted into a full-blown genocide.

Footnote/Endnote:

Kimberly Fornace, The Rwandan Genocide (New York: Greenhaven Press, 2009), 1–6.

Bibliography:

Fornace, Kimberly. The Rwandan Genocide. New York: Greenhaven Press, 2009.