The Hutu Revolution

On 1 November 1959, Rwanda witnessed the onset of what became known as the Hutu Revolution or the Social Revolution, marked by widespread violence against the Tutsi population. This period of turmoil was triggered by deep-seated ethnic and political tensions between the majority Hutu and the minority Tutsi, exacerbated by decades of colonial favoritism and societal stratification.

Key Events:

1. Toussaint Rouge (“Red All Saints’ Day”):
   • The revolution began with organized attacks on Tutsi communities under the pretext of resisting Tutsi political dominance.
   • Violence was sparked by rumors of an attempted assassination of a Hutu sub-chief, Dominique Mbonyumutwa, allegedly by Tutsi individuals.
2. Massacres and Displacement:
   • Hundreds of Tutsi were killed in systematic attacks orchestrated by Hutu militias, with government officials complicit in fueling the violence.
   • Thousands of Tutsi fled Rwanda, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Uganda, Burundi, and the Congo.
3. Overthrow of the Monarchy:
   • The revolution targeted the existing Tutsi-led monarchy, which was seen as symbolic of oppression by Hutu activists.
   • The violence marked the beginning of the end for the monarchy, which was officially abolished in a 1961 referendum.
4. Formation of Political Movements:
   • Hutu political groups, such as PARMEHUTU (Party of the Hutu Emancipation Movement), gained momentum during the revolution, advocating for greater political participation and equality for the Hutu majority.

Consequences:

1. Mass Exodus of Tutsi Refugees:
   • The violence forced over 100,000 Tutsi to flee Rwanda, creating a large diaspora community that would later play a significant role in Rwandan politics and the struggle for liberation.
2. Shift in Power Dynamics:
   • The revolution led to the end of Tutsi dominance in the political sphere, paving the way for Hutu-led governments.
3. End of Belgian Colonial Rule:
   • The revolution accelerated Rwanda’s push toward independence, which was achieved on 1 July 1962.
4. Seeds of Future Conflict:
   • The ethnic divisions and violence of this period laid the groundwork for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as cycles of discrimination, exile, and retribution persisted over the following decades.

The events of November 1959 are considered a pivotal turning point in Rwanda’s history, marking the transition from a feudal monarchy to a republic and setting the stage for both progress and continued conflict in the years to come.