Analyzing Participation in the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3916967
AutoresHollie Nyseth Nzitatira (0000-0002-3168-9897, Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, autor de correspondencia), Jared F Edgerton (0000-0001-6929-6557, Human Trafficking Data Lab, Stanford University), Laura C Frizzell (0000-0002-7043-2402, Department of Sociology, Ohio State University)
Año2023
Volumen60
Número2
Páginas291-306
Fecha de publicación2023-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Peace Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0022-3433 • E-ISSN: 1460-3578
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00223433221075211
OpenAlexW4289888537
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas11
Referencias citadas66

Recent studies of genocide have yielded varying estimates of the number and characteristics of people who engaged in violence. We address these disparities in estimates for one well-studied case: the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Using novel data from Rwanda's post-genocide gacaca courts, we provide updated estimates regarding participants. Specifically, we find that between 847,233 and 888,307 people participated in the genocide, with 181,280 to 190,113 people found guilty of only violent offenses, 618,164 to 654,152 individuals found guilty of only property crimes, and 44,042 to 47,789 individuals found guilty of both property and violent crimes. In total, we estimate that between 229,069 and 234,155 individuals were found guilty of a violent offense, including those who committed violent offenses as well as both violent and property offenses. These results align with past research, representing an important convergence of evidence regarding participation in this genocide. We also calculate specific characteristics of participants, finding that nearly 90% of all participants were men and that the median age for all participants was 34. Although most participants committed a single crime, between 215,124 and 222,522 people were found guilty of multiple crimes. Approximately 6% of people accounted for 25% of the property crimes, while 11% of people accounted for 25% of the violent crimes. These findings provide foundational information about one of the deadliest episodes of mass violence in the 20th century

Convergence (economics) · Criminology · Genocide · Medical emergency · Poison control · Political science · Property (philosophy) · Property crime · Suicide prevention · Violent crime · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Law · Medicine · Political Conflict and Governance · Psychology · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence