The Daily

A Battle for the Soul of Rwanda

Feb 18, 2021

Declan Walsh, Chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times, and Abdi Latif Dahir, East Africa correspondent, dive into the controversial story of Paul Rusesabagina, famed for his role in the Rwandan genocide. They discuss the complexities of Rwanda's narrative, balancing heroism against authoritarianism under Kagame. The dangers faced by dissenters in today's political climate are examined, alongside Rusesabagina's precarious legal situation and the international response to his imprisonment. Insights from a jailhouse interview highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights.

39:13

Creator website

Episode guests

Abdi Latif Dahir

Declan Walsh

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Rwanda: Atrocity and Aftermath

12min

Perils of Dissent: Life Under Kagame's Regime

2min

Innovative Transplant Surgery: A Medical Milestone

2min

Escalating Tensions in Rwanda

11min

Political Turmoil in Rwanda

10min

Roussasabagina's Trial and Texas Winter Storm

4min

The story of how Paul Rusesabagina saved the lives of his hotel guests during the Rwandan genocide was immortalized in the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda.” Leveraging his celebrity, Mr. Rusesabagina openly criticized the Rwandan government, and is now imprisoned on terrorism charges.

Today, we look at what Mr. Rusesabagina’s story tells us about the past, present and future of Rwanda.

Guest: Declan Walsh, chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times; and Abdi Latif Dahir, East Africa correspondent for The Times.

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Background reading:

Paul Rusesabagina was mysteriously taken back to Rwanda late last year and arrested. His supporters say he has no chance of getting a fair hearing.
In a jailhouse interview with Abdi Latif Dahir, Mr. Rusesabagina said he was duped into an arrest. He believed he was being flown to Burundi to talk to church groups.

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