Canadian General Defies UN

A Canadian General Defies the UN to Stop a Genocide

On April 21, 1994, in Kigali, Rwanda, Canadian General Roméo Dallaire received orders from the United Nations to withdraw all personnel from the country. Instead, Dallaire chose to disobey, taking a stand that would alter the course of history. This pivotal moment occurred just days after the genocide began, as Hutu extremists launched a systematic attack on the Tutsi population.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the international community turned a blind eye to the Rwandan genocide, allowing hundreds of thousands to die. The standard story goes that the United Nations and other organizations were either unable or unwilling to intervene, leaving the people of Rwanda to suffer at the hands of their perpetrators. However, this narrative overlooks the actions of a few key individuals who worked to prevent the worst of the violence.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Linda Melvern, in her book "A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda's Genocide," documents the complex web of events leading up to the genocide, including the role of General Dallaire. Dallaire himself wrote about his experiences in "Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda," providing firsthand insight into the decisions he made. On April 6, 1994, the plane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down, sparking the genocide. As the situation deteriorated, Dallaire received explicit orders to focus on evacuating foreign nationals, rather than protecting Rwandan civilians, but he chose to prioritize the safety of the local population. By April 12, 1994, Dallaire had established a network of safe zones and was working to distribute food and aid to those in need. Historian Gérard Prunier, in his book "The Rwanda Crisis: History of a Genocide," credits Dallaire's actions with saving thousands of lives, and notes that his decision to disobey UN orders was a crucial turning point in the crisis. As the genocide raged on, Dallaire's team worked tirelessly to document the atrocities and push for international intervention, ultimately helping to bring an end to the violence by July 1994.

The Part That Got Buried

The story of Canadian General Roméo Dallaire's courageous actions in Rwanda was deliberately suppressed by the United Nations and its member states, who sought to avoid accountability for their inaction. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali and his administration played a significant role in downplaying the events, as they were more concerned with maintaining a positive public image than with acknowledging the failures of the UN mission. The UN's decision to limit the availability of documents and records related to the Rwandan genocide also contributed to the lack of attention given to General Dallaire's heroism. Specifically, the UN's refusal to declassify key documents and testimony from the time period made it difficult for historians and journalists to piece together the full story of General Dallaire's actions, effectively concealing his bravery from the public eye.

The Ripple Effect

General Dallaire's decision to disobey orders and protect civilians in Rwanda led to the rescue of thousands of people and altered the course of the conflict. The consequences of his actions can be seen in the modern-day refugee policies of countries like Canada, which have been directly influenced by the lessons learned from the Rwandan genocide. For example, the Canadian government's current guidelines for responding to humanitarian crises abroad were shaped in part by the experiences of General Dallaire and his team in Rwanda.

The Line That Says It All

General Dallaire's actions in Rwanda were ultimately recognized with the awarding of the United States Legion of Merit, but not before he was forced into early retirement by the Canadian military.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Rwandan genocide and the role of the United Nations and Canadian military during that time.