An Analysis of Structural Conflict and Conflict Management in the Great Lakes Region: a Case Study of Rwanda - 1990-2005

Abstract

This is a study of structural conflict that bedevilled the Rwandan society from the colonial era, and later fuelled by the post- independence political elite since 1959 up until early 1990s. This study examines the conditions that led to the periodic civil strife in Rwanda that culminated in the genocide of 1994 and later on, the subsequent deliberate adoption of selected policies and their implementation to manage the conflict and simultaneously strengthen unity and cohesion among Rwandans. In the study qualitative method of data collection was used, covering both primary and secondary data. The study concludes that the adopted policies in Rwanda have contributed significantly to the successes in management of the conflict discouraging the resurgence of ethnically - driven political debates and hence divisions amongst the Rwandans through Unity and Reconciliation initiatives, spurred by poverty alleviation and national empowerment programmes. It also concludes that divisive policies like issuing of identity cards on 'ethnicity' basis, and hence marginalization of sections of the Rwandan community has since been addressed and education for all which is a basic human right reinstituted, as a building block in the reconstruction of the country.