The genocide in the tiny Central African country of Rwanda was one of the most intensive killing campaigns – possibly the most intensive – in human history.
How many died?
According to Gérard Prunier, “Because of the chaotic nature of the genocide, the total number of people killed has never been systematically assessed, but most experts believe the total was around 800,000 people. This includes about 750,000 Tutsis and approximately 50,000 politically moderate Hutus who did not support the genocide. … Only about 130,000 Tutsis survived the massacres.”
Some, though, have taken issue with Prunier’s (and others’) estimates, alleging that the number of Tutsis in Rwanda was lower at the outbreak of the genocide than is generally believed. By these measures, "an estimated 500,000 Rwandan Tutsi were killed, or more than three-quarters of their population. … The number of Hutu killed during the genocide and civil war is even less certain, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to well over 100,00
The mass and majesty of this world, all
That carries weight and always weighs the same
Lay in the hands of others; they were small
And could not hope for help and no help came
What their foes liked to do was done
their shame was all the worst could wish
they lost their pride
And died as men before their bodies died.
- W.H. Auden, The Shield of Achilles
I’m sorry for all the victims of terrorism everywhere.