Tribes around Akagera National Park – Akagera National Park is located in Rwanda, a country known for its beautiful people, comprising three main ethnic groups. The Hutu make up 85% of the total population, the Tutsi account for about 14%, and the Twa constitute only 1%.
This imbalance was largely caused by the genocide that occurred between the Hutu and Tutsi, leading to the tragic loss of many lives, including children. The conflict was fueled by Belgian colonization, which positioned the Hutu as a superior group over other tribes in Rwanda, resulting in the mass slaughter of the Tutsi.
Scientifically, it is said that the Hutu have a Y chromosome largely of Bantu origin, unlike the Tutsi. The Hutu, also referred to as Wahutu, are believed to have originated from the famous Bantu migration from the Cameroon highlands, which is considered their ancestral homeland. They eventually settled in Rwanda, displacing the original inhabitants of the land, the Twa.
The Hutu were primarily agriculturalists and were governed by kingship monarchies, with their rulers called “Bahinza.” Despite cultural integration between the Hutu and Tutsi, it is said that the Hutu are generally humble people.
The Tutsi, or Abatutsi, are of Nilotic origin and are known for their love of cattle, indicating their pastoralist lifestyle. They moved from place to place in search of water and pasture for their animals, relying heavily on cattle products for their livelihood.
The Tutsi are believed to have settled in Rwanda around the 14th century, after the arrival of the Hutu. This led to the displacement of some Hutu, contributing to the tribal tensions that eventually culminated in the genocide, which drastically reduced the Hutu population.
The land was originally occupied by the Twa, who were also greatly affected by displacement and war. Today, they make up only 1% of the population. Historically, the Twa were hunters and gatherers, sustaining their homes through these activities.
Sadly, they are now mainly found in forested areas, where their unique height, known as pygmies, attracts tourists.
Today, Rwanda stands as a peaceful country after embracing unity. No one publicly identifies by tribe, as all are now called Rwandans.
The genocide, known as the “100 days of slaughter,” is a painful part of the country’s history, but Rwanda is now a peaceful and welcoming nation that you should not miss visiting.
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