The long smoldering ethnic conflict gradually came to a head. First the
Tutsi were driven into exile. In Uganda they formed a resistance movement,
which not only attacked Rwanda but also launched a civil war against the
Hutu in Burundi. The peace accords of Arusha were sabotaged. The Hutu
responded with systematic genocide that ended only with the victory of the Tutsi army.
Genocide by Christians on Christians
The genocide was committed not only by the soldiers but also by civilians:
against neighbors, business partners, family and church members. Both the
victims and the perpetrators were for the most part Christians. Pastors
blessed the murders. Church leaders sanctioned the Hutu policy against the
Tutsi. Very few Christians, above all the Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to
participate in the violence.
Muslim aid to the persecuted
Already very early, representatives of the Muslim minority warned against
ethnic violence and publicly took a stand for mutual respect. With diverse
actions they called Muslims on both sides to practice moderation and refrain
from violence. During the massacres, they saved the lives of many Tutsis.
