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.
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Declan's Rwanda Coverage
- Declan Walsh began covering Rwanda in 1999, five years after the genocide.
- He witnessed the aftermath and the country's struggle to rebuild.
Roots of the Rwandan Genocide
- The Rwandan genocide stemmed from decades-old ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi groups, exacerbated by Belgian colonial policies.
- The 1994 genocide resulted in the systematic slaughter of Tutsis by Hutu militias.
Hotel Rwanda's Impact
- The 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda" brought Paul Rusesabagina's story to international attention.
- Rusesabagina, a Hutu, saved many lives during the genocide by sheltering people in the hotel he managed.