The role of narrative in healing in Rwanda.
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Date
2010
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Abstract
In 1994, almost a million Tutsi and some Hutu were massacred in Rwanda during
the 100 day genocide. Between 1995 and 1998, nearly the same number of Hutu
and some Tutsi died, while in flight, primarily in the former Zaire. In the years
following genocide, hundreds of thousands of Rwandans have been accused of
genocide related crimes. There is not a person in Rwanda who is not directly
affected by past violence and the country is in a process of healing and
reconciliation.
Much of the violence in Rwanda can be traced to perceptions of history and
identity. This thesis seeks to unearth narratives of history and identity as a way of
exploring possibilities for healing and reconciliation. Through an in-depth
examination of four life stories, interviews with leaders in the field of reconciliation
in Rwanda and informal interviews with a broad spectrum of Rwandans, this
research sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in terms of healing. It
finds that through critical engagement with our own and broader socio-political
narratives we can expand the possibilities of our own narratives, allowing scope
for personal healing as well as leading to a deeper understanding of the other.
This can form the basis for sustainable reconciliation.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.
Keywords
Genocide--Rwanda., Rwanda--History--Civil War, 1994--Personal narratives., Peace-building--Rwanda., Rwanda--History--Civil War, 1994--Peace., Theses--Conflict resolution and peace studies., Narrative (Rhetoric)