Roméo Dallaire
Biography
Roméo Dallaire is a Canadian retired general, humanitarian, and senator. He is best known for being the Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 genocide. His desperate pleas for reinforcements and permission to intervene were largely ignored by the international community, leading to the slaughter of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. After witnessing unimaginable atrocities, he suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he has openly discussed, becoming a strong advocate for mental health support for veterans. Dallaire has since become a vocal advocate for preventing future genocides, protecting child soldiers, and promoting international accountability. His seminal memoir, "Shake Hands with the Devil," powerfully recounts his experiences, offering a searing indictment of the international community's failures and a profound personal reflection on the human cost of indifference. He served as a Canadian Senator from 2005 to 2014, continuing his work on human rights and conflict resolution.
Selected Thoughts
«I know there is a God because I hate him for what he allowed to happen in Rwanda.»
«The international community failed Rwanda, and that is why I am so committed to preventing future genocides.»
«We must never again allow ourselves to be bystanders to genocide. We must always speak up, and we must always act.»
Writing Style
His writing is direct, brutally honest, and deeply personal. He uses vivid, often harrowing, descriptions to convey the horrific realities of conflict and genocide. His narrative is infused with a strong sense of moral urgency, self-reflection, and a critical examination of international politics and military decision-making. His style is characterized by its emotional intensity and a clear, unadorned prose that emphasizes the gravity of his subject matter.