Photo: Ilene Perlman/Shutterstock

Armchair Travel: Rwanda

by Lola (Akinmade) Åkerström Dec 19, 2008

Rwandans can breathe a little sigh of relief this week.

In Rwandan Genocide “Masterminds” Convicted, Sentenced, Matador Pulse editor Eva Holland gives us an update on one of the worst genocides the world has ever witnessed.

“More than 18 years later, three of the leaders behind the Rwandan genocide have been convicted of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and sentenced to life in prison,” she writes.

Matador members Aimee and Ryan blogged about their experiences while visiting the Genocide Museum in Kigali, Rwanda. One of our member organizations, Nursery of Peace Organization based in Rwanda is actively working to educate and empower genocide survivors.

Focusing on Rwanda today, Eva sends us a list of books and movies that provide excellent education on Rwanda and its bitter history.

Shake Hands with the Devil

Eva Holland – “Powerful story of the genocide as witnessed by Canadian general Romeo Dallaire, the leader of UN forces in Rwanda at the time. He tells the wrenching story of being forced to watch the killing unfold, and being ordered not to intervene. Dallaire later attempted suicide.”

Price: $13.11 | BUY

You can also check out the documentary, The Journey of Romeo Dallaire.

Price: $26.95 | BUY

We Wish To Inform You…

The book, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families, is a collection of gripping stories and interviews with a cross section of Rwandans, from victims to opposition groups, and much more.

Price: $10.20 | BUY

Hotel Rwanda

This near flawless movie depicts the Rwanda genocide through the eyes of a hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina played by actor Don Cheadle. Rusesabagina saved 1,200 fellow Rwandas by hiding them in his hotel. Cheadle gives his best performance to date.

Eva Holland –
“I thought this one was pretty well-done, for a Hollywood movie. Restrained rather than sensational, and a better movie for it.”

Price: $9.99 | BUY

Machete Season

In this book, 10 militia members, all friends from the same village, speak out in interviews detailing their participation in the genocide.

Price: $10.20 | BUY

Aiding Violence

Eva Holland – “Thought-provoking academic work that offers controversial arguments about the role the international development industry played in setting the stage for genocide in Rwanda.”

Price: $26.00 | BUY

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