Rwanda Remembered
It is the 15th Anniversary of the Rwanda genocide. It deserves to be remembered but the World that largely ignored it at the time has moved on and cares not to remember this predictable tragedy. In the World of realpolitik a small landlocked country in the heart of Africa with no oil or other basic resources, is easily ignored.
It continues to remind us all of our failure to do nothing in the face of unmitigated evil. How many times must we pledge, "Never again!" and be prepared to act. We have yet to learn as we face the fate of Darfur.
President Clinton has publicly admitted his lack of action by his administration is his greatest regret of his Presidency. The UN proved impotent to do anything and even tried to withdraw the few troops it had in Rwanda at the beginning of the genocide of 100 days. The French have much to account for as they supported the genocidal forces of the government and militias. Others should have and could have done more to intervene and didn't.
One of the few heroes was General Romeo Dallaire, the Canadian head of UN forces in Rwanda.
He struggled with his UN bosses in New York to do more while refusing to leave Rwanda He believed his small force should remain to do what they could and be witness to the genocide.
(His book, "Shaking Hands With the Devil", is a thoughtful read of the events of those days and his personal and professional stuggle to be present in the face of international inaction and the genocidal evil.)
(There are many videos on Youtube. I chose this one as it is the least shocking and most informative)
A brief factual history can be read here. http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/rwanda.htm
Notes on Romeo Dallaire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roméo_Dallaire
Summary of International Tribunal http://69.94.11.53/default.htm
posted by Tossing Pebbles in the Stream @ 10:13 p.m.
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4 Comments:
Philip--the story of what happened in Rwanda is one of the darkest stains on human history.
You are quite right that we should remember, even when remembering brings such pain.
As you know, one of the few heroes to emerge from this horrific time is fellow Canadian Dallaire.
Hello Philip
I'm not too well versed on the problems of Rwanda but will have a look at your links
Unfortunately that first screen shot shown here of the beginning of the video is enough to put me off - yes I know - possible head in the sand attitude, not wanting to see anything upsetting but thats me
Take care
Cathy
ps thanks for your emails and the info they contained
Thank you Philip, I remember this well as the news was full of it, back then and I recall the horror of it all.
One of the reasons I was drawn here to your blog many many months ago now was your ability to prick my conscience and get me to think of past deeds. Not many people can do this with me, but you seem to be able to do it. I very much respect your thought provoking posts.
Have a good Easter weekend
Tom
Wiggers World
I realize these things happen and have happened since man lived in caves, but I will never understand it. It is, however, an opportunity for some to be heroes, to prove their goodness, in the midst of all the negativity.
Sorry, but I don't think I can watch the video either...
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