Background Information

The Tutsi are a people that live in Rwanda, Burundi and the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are very similiar to the Twa and Hutu which are other groups in the same region.

In the past the Tutsi were cattle herders but they were considered a minority of the group. Most of the upper-class rulers were however, Tutsi. Cattle herding actually was a way of keeping peace among the different groups. The Tutsi (upper-class) would often lend cattle the the Hutu (lower-class) in return for labor, loyaly and political support.

Social relations in both Rwandi and Burundi were changed in 1890 when the Germans took power until World War I. After the Germans left the Belgians then took control until 1962. During this time the Tutsis were always treated better than the Hutu until the 1950's when the Belgians pushed the Hutu to fight for control. This led to the Hutu overthrowing the Tutsi monarchy in Rwanda causing many Tutsi to flee to nearby countries. An agreement of peace was attempted by the mwami which was the Tutsi king, but this did not last as the Hutu tried to forcefully gain power but were defeated by the Tutsi.

When the European rule ended,  

the Tutsi and Hutu both held their own rule. The Tutsi in Burundi and the Hutu in Rwanda. The Hutu held Rwanda until 1994 when Tutsi rebels attacked and forcefully overthrew the government. Genocide erupted in Rwanda and 800,000 people were killed and/or murdered. The Tutsi still control both Rwanda and Burundi to this day.

References:

Nyankanzi, Edward L. Genocide: Rwanda and Burundi. Rochester, Vt.: Schenkman Books, 1997.

Twagilimana, Aimable. Hutu and Tutsi. Heritage Library of African Peoples. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 1998.