Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi represents one of the most intense episodes of mass violence in the post-World War II era, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people and the displacement of millions more. This comprehensive review examines the economic consequences of this catastrophic event and analyzes Rwanda's subsequent trajectory of post-conflict recovery and reconstruction. Using evidence from macroeconomic studies, household-level analyses, and institutional assessments, this article demonstrates that Rwanda experienced a precipitous 58% decrease in GDP during 1994, with differential impacts across economic sectors and persistent consequences for human capital, infrastructure, and institutional capacity. The review synthesizes current scholarship on recovery mechanisms, including foreign direct investment policy, governance reforms, and social reconstruction initiatives, while examining both achievements and ongoing challenges in Rwanda's post-genocide economic transformation. The findings reveal a complex recovery narrative characterized by rapid stabilization and impressive development gains tempered by persistent inequalities and fragility. Rwanda's experience offers valuable insights for understanding post-conflict economic reconstruction in other contexts.

Open Full Text (PDF)