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The Conflict Between The Hutu And Tutsi Tribes In Rwanda

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Rivalries between neighboring areas have historically led to violent altercations. This is especially the case in Rwanda, between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes that founded the nation. Their relationship was not like that at first- the tensions seemed to increase when European powers intervened with the tribes. When Rwanda became independent, the malicious competition continued because the tribes had become accustomed to it and adopted it on their own. It is so implanted in their culture that even the leaders have been promoting the separation. The biggest challenge facing present Rwanda is trying to unite the people as a whole and forget about the hateful rivalry between the founding Hutu and Tutsi tribes. Their once feudal division has evolved into a destructive competition over ethnic superiority as the nation gained power and eventually became independent.
Originally, the relationship between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes was not hostile- it was a contractual agreement based on skill. The Hutus, who had settled in Rwanda first, were mainly involved in small scale agriculture. The Tutsis were more advanced socially and politically and took over control once they migrated to the area. Tutsi people were cattle herders and soon developed a client-patron like arrangement with the Hutus, called Ubhuahke. In this agreement, Hutus provided personal services and allegiance in exchange for Tutsis providing them cattle, land, and protection (Rwanda, UPenn). Although they were the minority

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