Tutsi is the second largest among all the Burundi ethnic groups. They are the warrior
people of Burundi. The Tutsi tribe has a population of approximately 13 million and they can be found living in Rwanda, Burundi and democratic Republic of Congo.
Tutsis are tall and sturdy people. Their physical characteristics make them great warriors. Their physical strength and prowess have been useful in building up a strong military force in Burundi. In the past a small population of Tutsi was engaged in cattle herding. But with the passage of time, the Tutsis became economically very advanced. At present, the Tutsis are the rich landlords in Burundi. They lend land for cultivation to the Hutus.
Most of the Tutsis are followers of Christianity but small part of the population are still the follower of traditional religion. The Tutsis speak the Central Bantu language and a minority of educated folk can converse in French. The folklore of Tutsi consists of folktales, riddles, poetry and myths. They can memorize the name of their ancestors at least to six generation back. Social status is very important for Tutsi and the upper class maintains it with dignity.
The cordial social relation that was enjoyed by the Hutu and Tutsi in the past has been spoiled by the advent of European powers. During the colonial days, the German administrators used the policy of divide-and-rule, thereby giving rise to communal violence between the two tribes. 1960s onwards, racial strife between the Tutsis and Hutus have given rise to many bloody wars.
