Appreciating the Theoretical Perspectives of the Rwandan Genocide: Implications for Conflict Resolution Practice

Abstract

The  repercussions  of  conflicts  and  wars  on  human  life  and  national  progress  are  inestimably  high.  Indeed,  the  incalculably ravaging  consequences  of  conflicts  and  wars  suggest  that  countries  need  to institute  measures  aimed  at  promoting  peace  and peaceful  coexistence  among  their  citizens.  However,  to  achieve  this,  one  must  have  a  full  understanding  of  the  various  causal elements and triggers of conflicts and wars. Where there is a lack of clear understanding of the push and pull factors of conflicts and  wars  and  their  socio-political,  socio-cultural,  and  psychological  undertones,  stakeholders  find  it  extremely  difficult  to institute measures to promote peace and unity. The Rwandan genocide, arguably, provides a rather tragic reminder of the sorry state  of  affairs  countries  have  to  endure  as  a  result  of  conflicts.  The irreparable damage caused by the Rwandan genocide continues to attract huge attention among academics. To this end, various papers and studies have been done to help bring clarity to  the  issues  surrounding  the  genocide,  with  findings  gleaned  from  multi-dimensional  perspectives.  This paper attempts to contribute to enhancing understanding of the Rwandan genocide from a theoretical perspective using a desk review approach. In this  review  paper,  issues  that  are germane  to the genocide  are  examined from  a  theoretical perspective  in  order  to  appreciate the implications they present for conflict resolution practice. Finally, the paper states, among others, that media institutional renewal is crucial to preventing future violent conflicts given the incendiary role the media played in the genocide.