Rwanda is a special place to visit because of its natural beauty, extensive history, and vibrant culture. It is worthy of all the accolades it has gotten, including being ranked first in Africa and among the world’s top 30 emerging travel destinations for 2020 on November 7, 2019 in London. When travelling to Rwanda and choosing to drive yourself, it’s important to treat locals with courtesy and consideration. Here are a few questions you should not ask during a self drive trip in Rwanda.
Given that the small nation of Rwanda went through the horrifying 1994 genocide less than 30 years ago, its recognition on a worldwide scale is not accidental. Since then, the government has worked to make the country more tourist-friendly by taking part in important travel shows and, with assistance from the UN World Tourism Organisation, creating a 10-year sustainable tourism development master plan that has established the country as one of the safest travel destinations in Africa.
Today’s tourists find Rwanda to be contemporary, tidy, tranquil, and dedicated to improving the lives of both its people and its wildlife. It’s also a location where even well-meaning tourists can goof up, particularly when discussing extremely delicate subjects.
Ethnic Designation
Refrain from enquiring whether people are Hutu or Tutsi from the locals. Following the genocide, Rwanda adopted a unity and reconciliation strategy. The nation has worked hard to mend by pardoning those who have wronged them and to go on, realising that they are all Rwandans, not just Hutus or Tutsis.
The Belgians adopted the practice of grouping people based on physical characteristics like height, facial appearance, and the quantity of livestock a family possessed in 1932. Asking them to identify as either breeds hatred from the people you ask and promotes the same division that resulted in the slaughter. The difference between Hutu and Tutsi is no longer discussed in any discourse.
Do Not Ask About Genocide
Even though it happened little more than 30 years ago, the subject matter is traumatising and still raw for the majority of people. The majority of Rwandans lost intimate friends or family members in this horrific genocide, which is thought to have killed over a million people. Some of these folks had to face quite harsh circumstances in order to live. Because of the sexual assault they experienced during the genocide, some survivors have long-term health issues like HIV/AIDS, while others are impoverished and have long-term psychological issues as a result of the trauma.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where around 250,000 victims are buried, if you feel the need to learn more about genocide. There, you will get a thorough account of this tragic event. This subject may be interpreted as being insensitive, therefore you need to exercise extreme caution.
Personal Income or Possessions
Never, ever ask a local Rwandan how much money they make. Similar to other African nations, there is a disparity in income distribution and the existence of three socioeconomic classes: the impoverished, middle class, and wealthy. It is not acceptable to enquire about someone’s income, wealth, or material belongings when you are a guest driving yourself in Rwanda.
Sensitive Historical Events
Don’t enquire about other historical occurrences, such as President Habyarimana’s assassination, the bordering nations’ involvement in the genocide, President Kagame’s re-election, or the Rwandan-Congo civil war, among many other subjects. In summary, always remember to enter into any discourse with decency, compassion, and an open mind. Make an effort to study Rwandan history, culture, and everyday life with consideration and sensitivity. Contact us to know more about what not to ask during a self drive trip in Rwanda.
