Since the instauration of the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda in 1994, too much hope has been laid on the judicial system to reconcile the opposing factions and lay the grounds for long term peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. However, a close look at the current situation in and around Rwanda reveals that, although necessary, this particular mechanism does not address some of the real causes of conflict and discontent within the region. Worse yet, it could even have exacerbated the inter-ethnic tensions by putting society in a vicious circle of never ending accusations and promoting a culture of revenge and retribution. This is not to say that the judiciary process is not necessary as it is crucial to eradicate tyranny and the culture of impunity. However, to reach reconciliation, one has to look beyond retributive justice and search closer and deeper into the Rwandan society for the many problems that are holding its people from accepting each other and healing the wounds of the past. The best place to start is to study the pre-genocide conditions, compare them to the current context and then conclude the right mechanisms and strategies to bring peace and solidarity. To say the least, a more comprehensive path to peace and reconciliation must take into considerations the political, social, economic and security issues not only in Rwanda but within the whole interlacustrine region.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
