Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African

Overview: Bantu refers to a large, complex linguistic grouping of peoples in Africa. The Central-Lakes Bantu people cluster encompasses more than seventy Bantu tribes, of which the largest are the Hutu and the Tutsi. Tragically, these two tribes are best known as the opposing sides in a brutal 1994 civil war in Rwanda that resulted in the deaths of more than 500,000 people, a conflict that had simmered for more than three decades. The various Central-Lakes tribes are found in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi in the area around lakes Albert, Edward, Kivu, Kyoga, and Victoria.

Peoples within this cluster: Batemi; Bukusu; Burundian; Bwisi; Chiga; Fuliro; Gungu; Gwere; Ha; Hangaza; Havu; Haya; Hema; Hima; Hunde; Hutu; Hutu, Rwandese; Ikizu; Ikoma; Jita; Joba; Kabwa; Kara; Kara (Gula); Kerewe; Kisii; Konjo; Kuria; Kwaya; Masaba; Mbo; Mbo; Nande; Nguruimi; Nkole; Nyambo; Nyindu; Nyole; Nyoro; Ruruli; Rwandan; Saamia; Shashi; Shubi; Soga; Suba; Suba-Simbiti; Tooro; Vinza; Zanaki; Zinza

Countries where they are found: Belgium; Burundi; Cameroon; Canada; Central African Republic; Congo (Kinshasa); Kenya; Netherlands; Rwanda; Sudan; Tanzania; Uganda; United States