The Abatwa (Pygmies), Challenges for a New Rwanda

The Pygmies in Rwanda were caught in the ethnic conflict during the genocide. The Abatwa (Pygmies) shows the conflict of an underserved ethnic group trying to get help without rekindling ethnic conflict.

The Pygmies or Abatwa (Twa) are the "Untouchables" of Rwanda. They were caught in the crossfire between the Hutus and the Tutsis during the genocide. However, since they are neither perpetrators or victims of the genocide, they are not eligible for Genocide Aid or government programs. The Abatwa, Challenges for a New Rwanda, shows the Abatwa villages and people, unseen and ignored by the Western World. In addition , the government is trying to prevent ethnic conflict by declaring there is no Abatwa, Hutus or Tutsis, all are Rwandans. Therefore, "special treatment" based on ethnicity is against the law. According to the Director of the Pygmy Association (called the Association of Potters) gives an unprecedented interview and explains the affect of the that policy and the strides as well as the falls for the Abatwa in post genocide rwanda.