Rwanda and Burundi: A General Introduction

Book excerpt: This is a general introduction to Rwanda and Burundi, twin nations in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, which are composed of members of the same ethnic groups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Subjects covered include geography, recent history and how the people live – some of their customs and traditions and how they earn their living among other subjects. The book also covers some of the crises the countries have faced in recent years to provide a more comprehensive picture of life in those countries which have been some of the most traumatised in the history of post-colonial Africa. The book is intended for members of the general public although some of them may find the work too detailed in terms of recent history for general purposes and may feel that it is better suited to those interested in research and academic pursuits relating to these twin nations. It will probably serve both, the general reader and members of the academic community, without being too detailed yet comprehensive enough to be of interest to students in African studies including those who specialise in doing research on the Great Lakes region of East Africa with particular emphasis on Rwanda and Burundi.