Les leçons du Rwanda

Abstract

Lessons learned from post genocide RwandaAs the result of a UN reduction in forces, peacekeepers often stranded Tutsi who had sought their protection, leaving them at the mercy of nearby Hutu assailants. This rule was most infamously demonstrated in the case of the Kigali Technical School (ETO), where 90 Belgian soldiers kept a horde of murderers at bay for three days. Then on April 11th, shortly after 1 p.m., the refugees saw the Belgian troops line up their jeeps, preparing to move out, in disbelief that they were being abandoned before arrangements had been made for their protection. Some of the Rwandans hurried to lie down on the road in order to block the convoy, but they were not quick enough. As some ran after the departing jeeps shouting “Do not abandon us !” they were driven back by the UNAMIR soldiers firing over their heads. Within hours, the 2,000 Tutsi who had fled to ETO seeking UN protection were dead.This article deals with such questions as : how the UN decided to impose an absurd and criminal military retreat while a genocide was being committed ; and how one can comprehend the attitude of the leading UN officer, Romeo Dallaire, and his peacekeepers.