The Hutu Revolution” and the Beginning of Violence Against the Tutsi

On 1 November 1959, a period of violence against the Tutsi community in Rwanda began, marking the start of what is often referred to as “The Hutu Revolution”. This uprising was characterized by targeted attacks on the Tutsi population under the banner of “Toussaint Rouge” (Red All Saints’ Day). It was a pivotal moment in Rwandan history that set the stage for decades of ethnic conflict.

Key Events:

1. Toussaint Rouge Campaign:
   • The Toussaint Rouge campaign symbolized the first organized acts of violence against the Tutsi.
   • It was driven by growing Hutu resentment towards the Tutsi-dominated monarchy and the Belgian colonial administration, which had historically favored the Tutsi minority.
2. Violence and Killings:
   • The violence started with targeted attacks on Tutsi individuals and communities, resulting in widespread destruction of property and killings.
   • Within the first year, it is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Tutsi were killed, while many more were injured, displaced, or forced to flee the country.
3. Political Context:
   • The events were fueled by the rise of Hutu nationalist movements, particularly the PARMEHUTU party, which advocated for the rights of the Hutu majority.
   • The revolution was part of a broader push to abolish the monarchy and transition Rwanda into a republic under Hutu leadership.
4. International and Colonial Dynamics:
   • Belgium’s shift in favor of the Hutu majority further emboldened Hutu political leaders.
   • The colonial administration’s decision to withdraw its support for the Tutsi monarchy exacerbated tensions, leading to violent confrontations.
5. Impact on Tutsi Community:
   • The revolution marked the beginning of systemic oppression of the Tutsi, as Hutu political movements gained power.
   • Many Tutsi fled to neighboring countries, creating a refugee diaspora that would play a significant role in the region’s future conflicts.
6. Legacy:
   • “The Hutu Revolution” led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Republic in 1961, under the leadership of Grégoire Kayibanda.
   • It also laid the groundwork for the ethnic divisions that would culminate in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Conclusion:

The events of 1 November 1959 were a turning point in Rwandan history. While they represented a significant shift in the political landscape, they also marked the start of systematic violence against the Tutsi, sowing the seeds of division and animosity that would plague the nation for decades.