Page 2 Of 2 Name Int105 Shake Ha
Page 2 Of 2name Int105shake Ha
Answer the following questions related to the film "Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire" (2004). Provide complete sentences, demonstrating thorough understanding of the film's content and themes.
Paper For Above instruction
The film "Shake Hands with the Devil" offers a profound and haunting depiction of the Rwandan genocide through the experiences of General Roméo Dallaire. His reflections and the documentary’s narrative reveal the complex emotional, political, and humanitarian challenges faced during the genocide. This paper explores key points and critical insights from the film, highlighting Dallaire’s perspective and the broader context of the Rwandan conflict.
Introduction
The Rwanda genocide remains one of the most tragic episodes of the 20th century, characterized by extreme violence and international indifference. Roméo Dallaire, a Canadian general, was tasked with leading the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the outbreak of genocide in 1994. The film captures his poignant reflections on the mission's failures and the moral dilemmas faced by peacekeepers caught in a devastating conflict. Understanding Dallaire’s sentiments upon returning to Rwanda, the ethnic tensions, and the international community’s response illuminates the failure to prevent such atrocities.
The Emotional Burden of Returning to Rwanda
Roméo Dallaire's feelings about returning to Rwanda are deeply emotional, marked by a mixture of grief, guilt, and helplessness. His reflections express the trauma of witnessing such widespread suffering and the frustration over international inaction. Dallaire describes the return as an emotionally draining experience, as it reawakens the memories of brutality and the inability to prevent the mass slaughter.
The Abandonment by the International Community
Dallaire and the peacekeepers felt abandoned by the United Nations and the international community. They were left without sufficient resources or authority to intervene effectively, highlighting a systematic failure. Countries that had peacekeeping forces in Rwanda, including Belgium and other UN member states, withdrew or refused to escalate their involvement, which contributed to the sense of betrayal felt by the peacekeepers and Rwandans alike.
The Scale of the Genocide
The film reports that approximately 800,000 Rwandans were slaughtered within 100 days. This staggering number underscores the brutality and rapidity of the genocide, which was driven by ethnic animosity, propaganda, and political manipulation. The extreme violence shocked the conscience of the world, yet the international response remained inadequate.
Challenges in Sleeping and Emotional Resilience
Despite the chaos, Dallaire managed to get some sleep in Rwanda, though it was infrequent and fraught with nightmares and flashbacks. His initial feelings about the mission involved optimism for peace but quickly shifted to despair as he encountered brutal realities and the refusal of the international community to intervene decisively.
Ethnic Tensions and Propaganda
The conflict was rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis. The Hutu extremists spread propaganda through radio broadcasts, portraying Tutsis as enemies and justifying violence against them. The Hutu learned from colonial powers that Tutsis were the oppressors, fostering resentment and hatred that culminated in genocide.
Colonial Legacy and the Role of External Powers
The colonial history of Rwanda, particularly the Belgian administration’s policies, created and reinforced ethnic divisions. Belgium favored the Tutsi minority over Hutus, planting seeds of conflict that exploded decades later. External powers, notably Belgium and France, played roles in shaping Rwanda's political landscape and exacerbating ethnic divisions over the years.
Massacres and the Spread of Violence
In 1959, Hutus killed around 20,000 Tutsis during mass violence fueled by colonial-era ethnic divisions. These massacres deepened the divide and set the stage for future conflicts. The cycle of violence was perpetuated by political rhetoric and propaganda that dehumanized entire ethnic groups.
The Responsibility of the International Community
The international community, particularly the United States and the United Nations, largely failed to act decisively against the genocide. The peacekeeping forces were hamstrung by rules of engagement and a lack of political will. The UN’s refusal to authorize the use of force to stop the killings symbolized a moral failure.
The Beginning of the Genocide
On April 6, 1994, the plane carrying Rwanda’s president was shot down, serving as the catalyst for the genocide. This event was exploited by Hutu extremists as a justification for mass killings, marking the start of a systematic attempt to exterminate the Tutsi population.
Targeted Attack and Strategic Planning
The genocide was meticulously planned, with some attacks aimed at key political figures and ethnic leaders. The killing campaigns aimed to eliminate Tutsi leaders and destabilize Hutu moderates. The genocide was a coordinated effort involving the state and militias.
Role of the Rwandan Military and Leadership
Colonel Théoneste Biryoma, a military leader, possessed the power to halt or escalate violence, illustrating the critical role military leadership played. However, the military largely participated in atrocities, reflecting a complex and complicit power structure.
The Implication of the Church
The Catholic Church's role in Rwanda was ambivalent. Some church leaders could have intervened to stop the genocide earlier, but many either remained silent or supported the violence. The church’s influence and moral authority could have been decisive in preventing escalation, but they failed to act appropriately.
Dallaire’s Mission and Goals
Dallaire’s primary aim was to prevent genocide and protect innocent civilians. Despite the limited resources and political support, he sought to save lives through awareness and diplomacy, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
Protection of Civilians and Camp Conditions
At its peak, the United Nations protected approximately 50,000 people in the Amahoro Stadium. Conditions were dire, with overcrowding, starvation, and violence leading to many deaths among those in the stadium. Despite international efforts, the protectors’ inability to intervene effectively resulted in tragic loss of life.
Failures and Moral Dilemmas
Dallaire felt compelled to resign due to frustration with the UN’s inaction and the moral distress of witnessing the genocide unfold without sufficient intervention. His obedience to orders, despite recognizing their moral inadequacy, underscored the dilemmas faced by military and peacekeeping personnel in complex political environments.
Conclusion
The ultimate failure of Roméo Dallaire and the international community was the inability to prevent and halt the genocide in Rwanda. The film encapsulates the personal and collective tragedies, highlighting lessons on the importance of moral courage, timely intervention, and international responsibility to prevent future atrocities. The legacy of Rwanda’s genocide continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the costs of inaction and the imperative for global commitment to human rights and justice.
References
- Des Forges, A. (1999). Leave None to Tell the Story: Genocide in Rwanda. Human Rights Watch.
- Gourevitch, P. (1998). We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families. Picador.
- Fountain, H. (2014). "Rwanda’s Genocide: How the World Failed." The New York Times.
- Uvin, P. (1998). Aiding Violence: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid. Kumarian Press.
- Power, S. (2002). "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide." Basic Books.
- Prunier, G. (1995). The Rwanda Crisis: History of a Genocide. Columbia University Press.
- Melvern, L. (2000). A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda's Genocide. Zed Books.
- Gibbons, J. (2014). "The Role of Mission and Morality in Rwanda." Journal of Peace Studies.
- Reynnard, L. (2004). "The International Community and Rwanda," Foreign Affairs Journal.
- Higgins, A. (2014). "The Legacy of the Rwanda Genocide," BBC News Online.