Inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic conflicts in the Gt. Lakes region
In order to understand, resolve and prevent conflicts in the Great Lakes Region (Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) we have to understand clearly their origins and key players. Those genuinely interested in peace, security and prosperity for the people of the region must research and write objectively including on topics that are taboo like this one.
The Great Lakes region is inhabited by two main ethnic groups of Bantu and Nilotic peoples. Bantu ethnic group arrived in the area 3000 years ago from West Africa and the Nilotic ethnic group 600 years ago from Southern Sudan. Since their interaction the region has experienced inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic conflicts.
Ethnicity carries a sense of collective identity in which a people perceives itself as sharing a common historical past. Many ethnic groups are divided into subgroups called clans (Peter J. Schraeder 2000).
Inter-ethnic conflicts in Rwanda
Many who have written and commented about conflicts in Rwanda from pre-colonial period to 1994 have with few exceptions confined themselves to inter-ethnic conflicts between Batutsi and Bahutu. It is true that during the pre-colonial and colonial periods to 1962 rivalries and conflicts were inter-ethnic.
Intra-ethnic conflicts in Rwanda