Column１ Are Hutu and Tutsi Different “Ethnic Groups”? Hutu and Tutsi inhabit Rwanda and Burundi in Central Africa. There are no significant linguistic or religious differences between them and they both live in mixed settlements, however, violent ethnic conflicts have erupted between these groups.

Bizimungu was sentenced to thirty years in prison for his part in the genocide on 17 May 2011. Bizimungu is portrayed by Fana Mokoena in the 2004 movie Hotel Rwanda.

Extremist Hutus blamed Tutsi rebels for the attack, while Tutsi rebels denied it and blamed members of Habyarimana’s own government. The identities of those responsible for the crash are still unknown.

According to some historians and Tutsi scholars, the group originally came to Rwanda from Ethiopia in the 15th century. Although played down by the current government, the belief persists. To Tutsis, the genealogical lineage to Ethiopia connects them to a greater constellation including ancient Hebrews.

Their average height is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), although individuals have been recorded as being taller than 7 feet (213 cm).

It is not just considered bad form to discuss ethnicity in the new Rwanda. It can land one in jail. Added to the penal code is the crime of ”divisionism,” a nebulous offense that includes speaking too provocatively about ethnicity.

The country has struggled with its legacy of ethnic tension associated with the traditionally unequal relationship between the Tutsi minority and the majority Hutus. Rwanda is striving to rebuild its economy, with coffee and tea production among its main exports.

The largest ethnic groups in Rwanda are the Hutus, which make up about 85% of Rwanda’s population; the Tutsis, which are 14%; and the Twa, which are around 1%.

Kinyarwanda

Officially the move is intended to strengthen Rwanda’s ties to its English-speaking east African neighbours, including Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, with which it does much of its trade. Kigali has also drawn closer to the US and Britain in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. It is not English for its own sake.”

Rwandan franc

Known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mille collines (French: “land of a thousand hills”). The capital is Kigali, located in the centre of the country on the Ruganwa River.

Rwanda’s previous flag was a red-yellow-green tricolour with a large black letter “R” (to distinguish it from the otherwise identical Flag of Guinea, with the “R” standing for Rwanda). The flag was changed because it became associated with the brutality of the 1994 genocide.

Today Radio Rwanda has become a national Public radio with other 6 regional stations including Magic FM (Kigali), Radio Rusizi (Rusizi), Radio Musanze (Musanze), Radio Nyagatare (Nyagatare, Radio Rubavu (Rubavu) and Radio Huye (Huye). The current director is Aldo Havugimana.

34 radio stations