Crazy writers

Free Essay Samples > Essays > Entertainment & Media > Movies > The Rwandan Genocide: Lessons Learned

The Rwandan Genocide: Lessons Learned

1. Introduction

The Rwandan genocide was a mass slaughter of Tutsis by Hutus that took place in Rwanda during the Rwandan Civil War. It is estimated that between 800,000 and 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the 100-day period from April 7 to July 15, 1994. The genocide was sparked by the death of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, when his plane was shot down on April 6, 1994. The killings were carried out by the Rwandan military, the national police force, and Hutu militia groups known as the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi. The Tutsi rebel group, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), led by Paul Kagame, eventually stopped the genocide and took control of the country.

2. What Happened in Rwanda?

The Rwandan genocide began on April 6, 1994, after the plane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Habyarimana’s death sparked violence between Hutus and Tutsis. The Rwandan army, composed mostly of Hutus, began killing Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The killings were carried out by the army, the national police force, and Hutu militias known as the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi. The Tutsi rebel group, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), led by Paul Kagame, eventually stopped the genocide and took control of the country.

3. The Aftermath of the Genocide

The genocide had a devastating impact on Rwanda. An estimated 800,000 to 1 million people were killed, and more than 2 million others were displaced. More than half of Rwanda’s population was affected by the violence. The country’s economy was destroyed, and its social fabric was torn apart. Many survivors still suffer from physical and emotional scars. The genocide also had a negative impact on Rwanda’s image internationally.

4. Hotel Rwanda: A Movie Based on a True Story

Hotel Rwanda is a movie based on real life story of Rwandese experience during the 1994 genocide that saw about 0.8 million Tutsis and Hutus lose their lives.The movie which is an American production directed by TerryGeorge was first released in 2004.Don Cheadle who playedPaul Rusesabagina-the hotelier who saved lives of more than 1000 people including Tutsis,Hutus and foreigners during 100 days of violence-received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.Joaquin Phoenix,Nick Nolte,Sophie Okonedo also acted in supporting roles in this powerful movie. “Hotel Rwanda” brings to life one of those dark episodes in human history in which good people are faced with terrible choices-and manage to make them anyway. It is based on real events that occurred during the 100 days from April 6 to July 15,1994 when an estimated 800000 people were brutally murdered in Rwanda.The movie focuses on one man’s efforts to save as many lives as possible amid unfathomable violence and chaos.It is a story of extraordinary courage and compassion set against unspeakable horror”.(Caryn James,The New York Times).

5. What Does the Movie Show about the Genocide?

The movie shows the horror of the genocide and the heroic efforts of Paul Rusesabagina to save the lives of his family and more than 1,000 other people. The movie also highlights the inaction of the international community and the United Nations in responding to the crisis. The movie is an effective tool in raising awareness about the Rwandan genocide and the need for international intervention to prevent mass atrocities.

6. The Reaction of the International Community

The international community was slow to react to the Rwandan genocide. The United Nations did not deploy peacekeepers until three months after the violence began. By that time, more than 800,000 people had been killed. The UN has been criticized for its inaction and for not doing more to stop the violence.

7. What lessons Can be Learned from the Rwandan Genocide?

The Rwandan genocide highlights the need for international intervention to prevent mass atrocities. The international community must be prepared to take action to prevent such events from happening again. The UN must also improve its response time and capacity to deal with such situations.

8. Conclusion

The Rwandan genocide was a tragic event that highlights the need for international intervention to prevent mass atrocities. The international community must be prepared to take action to prevent such events from happening again. The UN must also improve its response time and capacity to deal with such situations.

FAQ

The Rwandan Genocide was a mass slaughter of Tutsi people in Rwanda by members of the Hutu majority government. The historical roots of the genocide can be traced back to the colonial era, when tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu peoples were exploited by Belgian colonists.

The international community responded to the Rwandan Genocide with a mix of condemnation and inaction. The United Nations failed to intervene in the conflict, and many countries did not provide adequate support for relief efforts.

Hotel Rwanda has become an important film in relation to understanding the Rwandan Genocide because it tells a true story about one man's experience during the genocide. The film highlights the indifference of the international community and shows how ordinary people can make a difference in extraordinary circumstances.

Some of the key figures involved in stopping the Rwandan Genocide include Paul Rusesabagina, who sheltered over 1,200 people in his hotel; General Roméo Dallaire, who led UN peacekeeping forces during the conflict; and Colonel Olivier Nduhungirehe, who helped negotiate a ceasefire between warring factions.

Lessons that can be learned from the Rwandan Genocide include the importance of early intervention to prevent mass violence, and the need for responsible media coverage during times of crisis.

Remembrance of the Rwanda genocide is being kept alive today through memorials and education initiatives such as "Never Again: Learn from History," which is an online course offered by Harvard University