Shake Hands with the Devil

General Roméo Dallaire recounts his harrowing experience as Force Commander of the UN mission to Rwanda in 1994. Initially tasked with facilitating peace, he and his small contingent were instead caught in the escalating horror of the Rwandan genocide, witnessing atrocities while battling bureaucratic indifference and a lack of international support. This is his unflinching personal testimony of that devastating period and its profound impact, offering a critical examination of international failures and the immense psychological toll of war.
Why You Should Read?
Gain a firsthand, deeply personal account of the Rwandan Genocide from a UN commander on the ground.
Understand the critical failures of international diplomacy and peacekeeping in the face of mass atrocities.
Explore the immense psychological toll of war and the moral courage required in impossible situations.
Reflect on the urgent lessons of history regarding human rights and global responsibility.
About the Author
Roméo Dallaire
is a retired Canadian Army lieutenant-general and former senator. He is best known for being the Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His efforts to prevent the genocide, despite severe limitations and lack of international support, have made him a prominent advocate for human rights and genocide prevention. Dallaire has received numerous awards for his humanitarian work and continues to speak out on issues of global responsibility and the protection of children in armed conflict.