Hutu and Tutsi

The Hutu and Tutsi are two ethnic groups in Rwanda and Burundi, primarily differentiated by historical social roles rather than biology. Traditionally, the Hutu were mainly farmers, while the Tutsi were pastoralists and often held political power. Colonial influences exacerbated tensions between the groups, leading to divisions that fueled conflict. In Rwanda, these tensions culminated in the 1994 genocide, where the extremist Hutu government orchestrated the mass murder of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. This tragic event and the underlying ethnic identities illustrate the complexity of social divisions and the impact of history on human relationships.