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Rwanda Colonial Era had its beginning from the year 1899 when Rwanda came under Germany East Africa. Rwanda Colonial Era rule was through the Mwami along with his chiefs. Therefore, Germany indirectly ruled Rwanda during the colonial period. Such a policy was followed by Germany due to both the the presence of few colonial personnels and the existence of centralized administration.
Following World war 1, Rwanda turned to become a part of the league of nations under Belgium. After the Second World War, Rwanda functioned as a Belgium trustee.
Rwanda Colonial Era under Belgium witnessed administrative methods that due to their harsh nature further increased the distance between the King and the common people. To add to this, further grounds for discrimination were created when in 1935, Belgium introduced national identity that was based on ethnicity. Under Batusi were people who had ten or more cows. Those having lesser number of cows came under the section of Bahutu. Batusis who belonged to the superior section of the society were supported initially by the Belgian authorities as King and Chiefs. Later there was the demand for independence and this saw the coming up of a party known as Union National Rwandese (UNAR). This had been formed by the Batusis. With the formation of this party the Belgiun authorities encouraged the coming up of PARMEHUTU, which was another party created on ethnic principles.
Rwanda Colonial Era saw its end only in the year 1962 when it secured its independence. Rwanda Colonial Era on the whole was a period of chaos and witnessed strife that led to the loss of many lives.
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