Many Christians have since converted to Islam (Wax, 2002), but Christianity remains the dominant religion in Rwanda and many genocide survivors interpret their traumatic experiences through Christian beliefs.

Whats the most popular religion in Rwanda?

The majority of Rwandas population is Christian. About 45% belong to the Catholic faith, 35% to the Protestant faith. Only about 5% profess Islam.

What religion are the Hutus and Tutsis?

The Hutu and Tutsi adhere essentially to the same religious beliefs, which include forms of animism and Christianity. The two ethnic groups remain deeply divided over the apportionment of political power in both Rwanda and Burundi, however.

Is Rwanda an Islamic country?

Islam is the largest minority religion in Rwanda, practiced by 4.6% of the total population according to 2006 census. Virtually all Muslims in Rwanda are Sunni. Islam was first introduced into Rwanda by Muslim traders from the East Coast of Africa in the 18th century.

How many religions are in Rwanda?

The most recent national census from 2012 indicates that: 43.7% of Rwandas population is Roman Catholic, 37.7% is Protestant, 11.8% is Seventh-day Adventist, 2.0% is Muslim (mainly Sunni), 2.5% claims no religious affiliation, and 0.7% is Jehovahs Witness.

Do Hutus and Tutsis look different?

Despite the stereotypical variation in appearance - tall Tutsis, squat Hutus - anthropologists say they are ethnically indistinguishable. The oft- quoted difference in height is roughly the same as the difference between wealthy and poor Europeans in the last century (an average of 12cm).

Why were Tutsis called cockroaches?

Mukasonga referred to it as a paper grave to reflect how she escaped the situation and in memorial for her deceased relatives. The title Cockroaches was an insult against Tutsis uttered during the conflict.

Why did the Hutus not like the Tutsis?

Generally, the Hutu-Tutsi strife stems from class warfare, with the Tutsis perceived to have greater wealth and social status (as well as favoring cattle ranching over what is seen as the lower-class farming of the Hutus).

Why did the Hutus call the Tutsis cockroaches?

In the years leading up to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the government used all its propaganda machinery to spread bigotry and hatred of the Tutsi. Tutsis were now called inyenzi (cockroach). All Tutsi men, women and children were no longer citizens of a nation but cockroaches.

Who are called cockroaches?

A former politician who described Tutsis as cockroaches and called for their extermination has been jailed for life in Rwanda over the 1994 genocide. Leon Mugesera, an academic, was extradited back to his home country from Canada four years ago.

Is Hotel Rwanda a true story?

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 drama film directed by Terry George. It stars Don Cheadle as real-life hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and Sophie Okonedo as his wife Tatiana. The film is based on true events of the Rwandan genocide which occurred during the spring of 1994.