How does THIS history repeat itself?

June 1, 2009
I have been in Rwanda for a few days now but do not start my internship for a few more days. My boss and "host" thought having a few days to settle in and get to know Kigali would be helpful and favorable to me. I agreed, initially, but not I am getting restless to begin working. Relaxation is nice, but I feel like a bum. I must develop a demanding schedule soon - yes, I am definitely a Barnhart.

This morning I went to the Kigali Memorial Centre. The memorial was so extensive with panel after panel of information about the history of, data concerning, and implications of the genocide. I obviously learned a lot.

Key point #1 - For clarification, Tutsi v. Hutu = economic division rather than ethnic. These groups spoke the same language, practiced the same religion, intermarried regularly, etc. This was instead an imposed identity conflict, imposed through colonization to more effectively govern through indirect rule --> manipulating existing social dynamics takes less effort and fewer resources than cultural assimilation.

Key point #2 - Genocides require planning. This was not a spontaneous act of violence but rather something that was rehearsed and planned over the course of decades.

The memorial has a segment on other genocides - historical, international. I found this extremely interesting and informative, educating me about those I was far less familiar with and allowing me to draw connections between them all.
-Armenia
- Namibia
- Holocaust
- Cambodia
- Balkans
Unfortunately, the list does go on.

Tom said to take my time, so I did. I probably spent two hours in the memorial. While in the exhibits, I experienced a variety of emotions in waves: confusion, sadness, anger, frustration, disbelief. I cannot understand how human beings can continue to treat each other with such brutality. It is as if we cannot live without differentiating ourselves and others with labels, precipitating an us v. them mentality.

How could an imposed difference between the Rwandese persist and escalate like it did?
Where is the boundary between protection of state sovereignty/autonomy and the pursuit of justice in cases like the 1994 genocide? At what point is intervention appropriate?
Needless to say, it got me thinking...

As Tom and I spent basically the whole day together, one of my worries was realized. Yesterday, I was talking with Tupo about my anxiety in meeting and dealing with all sorts of people familiar with my family, as I know there are high expectations for my character, behavior, attitudes, etc. I do not want to disappoint and reflect badly upon my family. To the point - Tom and others have been asking about my parents, and I am reluctant to tell them the whole story because I do not want any judgment to fall, but the more I say, the more I must explain, as Tom has persistent and penetrating questions. Insert foot in mouth.

Tonight at Torero I met a Rwandese fellow who works at the National Democratic Institute. We had an engaging conversation about the quality of Rwandan democracy based on party competition, setup of the proportional representation system, respect for the rule of law, protection of civil liberties, and legal revisions of the constitution (particularly concerning electoral procedures).

RPF - by far the largest, strongest party
women guaranteed about 30% of seats
post-conflict reforms --> progress

I hope to speak wit him more/drop by his office - I got his card.