Genocide In Rwanda Essay

The genocide that took place in Rwanda, which murdered over 800,000 Tutsi and Hutu, shocked the world. People were shocked not only by the sheer number massacred, but also the failure of States to act to prevent it from occurring. Although we may possess the technology and resources to prevent the Rwandan Genocide, it is very hard to make the decision to do so. In the film, “Shake Hands with the Devil”, it vividly reveals the horrid slaughter of Tutsi and Hutu, General Romeo Dallaire’s desperate efforts to stop the Rwandan Genocide and the complete disregard of this incident by his superiors. Despite the fact that General Dallaire’s humanitarian actions may seem morally correct, he ultimately attempted to solve a problem that has no relations

During the time, which General Dallaire departed for Rwanda, the United Nations posted “70,000 peacekeepers on seventeen missions around the world” (Power). Most of the United Nations’ resources were allocated around the world and the Rwanda mission was not top priority. The equipment that was provided was subpar to what was needed to be stationed in Rwanda. They were equipped with second hand vehicles that came from the UN Cambodia mission. Also, they were given a limited amount of medical supplies and necessity to be stationed in Rwanda. In addition, the UN Peacekeepers were lightly armored and equipped with little to no ammunition. Taking account of all these factors, General Dallaire and his peacekeepers cannot physically withstand a battle with the Hutu or Tutsi. Furthermore, the United Nations cannot fund the battle the moment it is instigated. The United Nation is under pressure by the United State due to the UN mission debts and peacekeeping costs. The United States wanted the United Nations to stay away from costly missions. Also, there wasn't enough money to fund the war; “When the medical supplies ran out, in March of 1994, New York said there was no cash for resupply”