The Context:
The civil war in Rwanda in 1994 is one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. The conflict, which lasted 100 days, resulted in the brutal killing of nearly one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Philip Gourevitch’s book “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families” offers a powerful account of the events leading up to, during, and after the genocide. The book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the horrors of the Rwandan civil war.
The Book:
Gourevitch’s book is divided into three sections. The first section looks at the events leading up to the genocide, detailing the history of the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis. The second section offers a harrowing account of the genocide itself, describing the daily horrors experienced by those caught in the middle of the conflict. Finally, the book looks at the aftermath of the genocide, examining the way in which Rwanda has tried to move forward in the aftermath of such trauma.
The Insights:
Gourevitch’s book offers a number of important insights into the Rwandan civil war and its aftermath. Perhaps one of the most significant is the way in which propaganda played a key role in fueling the conflict. The Hutu Power movement, which sought to portray Tutsis as “cockroaches”, used the media to spread hate speech and incite violence. This is an important reminder that the media can be a powerful tool for good, but it can also be used to promote violence and division.
The Lessons:
There are also a number of important lessons to be learned from Gourevitch’s book. One of the key takeaways is the importance of empathy in understanding conflict. The book shows how easily people can be convinced to dehumanize others, leading to horrific acts of violence. By putting ourselves in the shoes of others and recognizing their humanity, we can help to prevent conflicts like the one in Rwanda.
The Conclusion:
In conclusion, “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families” is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the Rwandan civil war. The book offers a powerful account of the events leading up to, during, and after the genocide, and provides important insights into the role of propaganda and the importance of empathy in understanding conflict. By reading this book and taking its lessons to heart, we can help to create a more peaceful and just world.
