key term - Kangura newspaper

Definition

The Kangura was a Rwandan newspaper that played a significant role in inciting ethnic hatred and violence during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. Published primarily in Kinyarwanda, it was used to spread propaganda that dehumanized the Tutsi population and encouraged Hutu extremists to commit acts of violence, contributing to the genocide's horrific death toll.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kangura published various articles and cartoons that portrayed Tutsis as the enemy and called for their extermination.
2. The newspaper was known for its slogan 'The Truth Will Set Us Free,' which ironically masked its intentions to incite hatred.
3. Kangura was one of the primary sources of propaganda during the genocide, promoting the idea that the Hutu population needed to protect themselves from Tutsi domination.
4. It contributed significantly to the polarization of Rwandan society by encouraging fear and mistrust between Hutus and Tutsis.
5. After the genocide, Kangura's role in inciting violence led to calls for accountability, highlighting the responsibility of media in conflict situations.

Review Questions

• How did the Kangura newspaper contribute to the climate of fear and hostility that preceded the Rwandan Genocide?
  • The Kangura newspaper contributed to a climate of fear by disseminating inflammatory propaganda that dehumanized Tutsis. Through its articles and cartoons, it painted Tutsis as a dangerous enemy who threatened the Hutu population. This manipulation of public opinion fueled hatred and justified violent actions against Tutsis, creating an environment ripe for the genocide.
• Discuss the relationship between the Kangura newspaper and other forms of media like RTLM during the genocide.
  • Kangura worked in tandem with RTLM, which broadcasted similar hate messages over radio waves. While Kangura provided print media targeting literate readers, RTLM reached a broader audience through audio broadcasts. Together, they intensified hate speech and encouraged violence against Tutsis, showcasing how both print and broadcast media can collaborate to escalate conflicts.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Kangura newspaper on Rwandan society post-genocide regarding media responsibility.
  • The legacy of the Kangura newspaper has sparked critical discussions on media responsibility in conflict situations. Post-genocide, there has been a push for accountability for those who misuse media to promote violence. This has led to increased scrutiny on how information is shared in societies with ethnic tensions, emphasizing the need for ethical journalism to prevent future atrocities and foster reconciliation.

Related terms

Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM): A radio station that was instrumental in broadcasting hate speech and inciting violence against Tutsis during the Rwandan Genocide.

Genocide: The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, national, or religious group, exemplified by the Rwandan Genocide where an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.

Interahamwe: A militia group composed mainly of Hutu extremists responsible for carrying out mass killings during the Rwandan Genocide.