Gacaca: Rwanda’s solution to genocide
IN traditional Africa there were mechanisms of conflict resolution, which were cost-effective. However, modernity eroded these systems. After the 1994 genocide, the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsi, Rwanda resorted to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms — Gacaca.
By Arthur Baguma
IN traditional Africa there were mechanisms of conflict resolution, which were cost-effective. However, modernity eroded these systems. After the 1994 genocide, the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsi, Rwanda resorted to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms — Gacaca.
Gacaca has profoundly impacted on reconciliation in Rwanda. It has succeeded in increasing community solidarity in conflict resolution.
Gacaca is a specie of grass, which forms lush lawns. Traditionally, elders would sit on the lawns under a tree to settle disputes in communities.
By 1996 about 120,000 people were in detention over genocide crimes “We thought Gacaca would bring the problem and its seriousness to the community,†the Executive Secretary National Service of Gacaca Jurisdictions, Domitille Mukantaganzwa said.
She advises other African countries to learn from Gacaca, that when a community has a conflict, the solution has to come from within.
“Our system can be better adopted by an African country,†Mukantaganzwa said.
Gacaca’s journey to justice started in 1996 when a law creating chambers in courts to deal with genocide cases was passed. In 1999, during the evaluation of the chamber’s performance, it was discovered that only 5,000 out of 120,000 people had been tried.
At that pace, Rwanda needed 100 years to try all the 120,000 cases, yet other people were seeking legal redress for matters other than genocide. Thus, the government called religious leaders, civil society and Rwandans to find a solution. Gacaca was born.
In 2000, a law legalizing Gacaca was passed. Under Gacaca, people apologise for the crimes they committed. A communal punishment for these people was introduced.
Unity and Reconciliation Commission
The divisions that characterised Rwanda, during and after the genocide, led to creation of this commission in 1999 by an Act of parliament.
The commission was to promote reconciliation among Rwandans. “It was something we thought we would not have achieved in a short time because the population was divided along ethnic lines. But, over eight years, Rwandans are speaking with one voice,†Fatuma Ndangiza, Executive Secretary, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission said.
Secondly, a summit on reconciliation is held annually to evaluate the reconciliation process. The summit brings together various stakeholders including Rwandans living in the diaspora.
Thirdly, Rwandans have adopted the Ubumwe, Ubwiyunge, Amahoro (Unity, reconciliation and peace) slogan. It is recited at every function in Rwanda.
IN traditional Africa there were mechanisms of conflict resolution, which were cost-effective. However, modernity eroded these systems. After the 1994 genocide, the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsi, Rwanda resorted to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms — Gacaca.
Gacaca has profoundly impacted on reconciliation in Rwanda. It has succeeded in increasing community solidarity in conflict resolution.
Gacaca is a specie of grass, which forms lush lawns. Traditionally, elders would sit on the lawns under a tree to settle disputes in communities.
By 1996 about 120,000 people were in detention over genocide crimes “We thought Gacaca would bring the problem and its seriousness to the community,†the Executive Secretary National Service of Gacaca Jurisdictions, Domitille Mukantaganzwa said.
She advises other African countries to learn from Gacaca, that when a community has a conflict, the solution has to come from within.
“Our system can be better adopted by an African country,†Mukantaganzwa said.
Gacaca’s journey to justice started in 1996 when a law creating chambers in courts to deal with genocide cases was passed. In 1999, during the evaluation of the chamber’s performance, it was discovered that only 5,000 out of 120,000 people had been tried.
At that pace, Rwanda needed 100 years to try all the 120,000 cases, yet other people were seeking legal redress for matters other than genocide. Thus, the government called religious leaders, civil society and Rwandans to find a solution. Gacaca was born.
In 2000, a law legalizing Gacaca was passed. Under Gacaca, people apologise for the crimes they committed. A communal punishment for these people was introduced.
Unity and Reconciliation Commission
The divisions that characterised Rwanda, during and after the genocide, led to creation of this commission in 1999 by an Act of parliament.
The commission was to promote reconciliation among Rwandans. “It was something we thought we would not have achieved in a short time because the population was divided along ethnic lines. But, over eight years, Rwandans are speaking with one voice,†Fatuma Ndangiza, Executive Secretary, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission said.
Secondly, a summit on reconciliation is held annually to evaluate the reconciliation process. The summit brings together various stakeholders including Rwandans living in the diaspora.
Thirdly, Rwandans have adopted the Ubumwe, Ubwiyunge, Amahoro (Unity, reconciliation and peace) slogan. It is recited at every function in Rwanda.