9B - Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies

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overall population of RoM (approximately 3.4 million people), brought a significant shift in
respect to the ethnic balance of the population. The Blues became the minority, representing only
20% of the population (approximately 680 000 people), and frightened by possible reprisals from
the newlyformed Red dominated regime, fled to neighbouring countries, approximately 50 000
people sought refuge in USM. As a result, even before the start of the genocide, USM already felt
the burden of the newly formed state of RNM.
Due to Blueburg’s neglect prior to the date when RNM obtained its statehood, the new
State had to face severe economic, social and security problems, due to the refusal of thousands
of former KNM members to hand over their weapons. The situation in the State became worse
and in consequence, President Michael Glazer became confronted with a spiralling crime-rate and
protests. Thus, immediately after the first anniversary of the new Republic, the President visits
the neighbouring State of Orangestan to seek financial assistance to develop RNM, which he
obtains from the President of Orangestan who pledges 2$ billion.
The event that triggered the genocide in North Manconia was the suspicious death of
President Glazer on 10 of July 2009, after he attended a dinner organised by members of the Blue
community the day before the scheduled return to RNM. Despite the tension that emerged
between the Reds and the Blues in RNM, President Glazer is buried without an autopsy, therefore
fuelling the latent conflict. Regardless the fact that the RoM government quickly and vigorously
denies any involvement, Blues in RNM are targeted, and by 18 of July 2009 scores of unarmed
Blues are killed and hundreds beaten around the capital of Redville. By 25 July the attacks have
spread across the country.