The Shoah is a unique crime in world history, but some of the mechanisms that took effect back then can also be seen in the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. The sociologist Assumpta Mugiraneza classifies.
Interview: Michael Gleich
Ms. Mugiraneza, the genocide against the Tutsi was 30 years ago, the Shoah against the Jews in Europe was 80 years ago. Two different times, two completely different cultures. What parallels do you see though?
There are striking similarities, particularly in the preparation of the genocides. Both aimed to completely destroy an ethnic group – or what was believed to be it. Such a project requires intensive organizational preparation. It was no different in Rwanda than in Germany. The massacres of the Tutsi minority were not a spontaneous, emotional affect.