An Ordinary Man

1. Rusesabagina's journey from hotel manager to reluctant hero

I am a hotel manager by accident. The idea of having a career in the luxury hospitality business is certainly a laughable one for the son of a banana farmer from an impoverished African village.

Humble beginnings to unexpected leadership. Paul Rusesabagina's life trajectory took an unexpected turn from his rural upbringing to becoming a respected hotel manager in Kigali. His career path, initially aimed at becoming a pastor, led him to the hospitality industry where he honed his skills in negotiation and customer service.

Reluctant hero during genocide. When the Rwandan genocide erupted in 1994, Rusesabagina found himself thrust into the role of protector for over 1,200 refugees at the Hotel Mille Collines. His background in hotel management, combined with his interpersonal skills and moral compass, enabled him to navigate the treacherous waters of genocide, using the hotel as a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

2. The power of words and negotiation in the face of genocide

Let me tell you what I think was the most important thing of all. Words.

Words as weapons and shields. Rusesabagina's primary tool for survival and protection was his ability to use words effectively. He engaged in countless negotiations with military officials, militia leaders, and others who threatened the lives of those sheltered in the hotel.

Negotiation strategies:

• Appealing to the humanity of potential killers
• Using flattery and respect to disarm aggressors
• Offering small bribes (drinks, money) to buy time and goodwill
• Invoking personal relationships and shared history
• Appealing to self-interest and future consequences

Rusesabagina's approach demonstrates the power of diplomacy and persuasion even in the most extreme circumstances. His ability to find common ground and appeal to the better nature of those intent on violence saved countless lives.

3. Rwanda's complex history: The roots of ethnic division

History is serious business in my country. You might say that it is a matter of life and death.

Colonial legacy of division. Rwanda's history of ethnic tension between Hutus and Tutsis was exacerbated by colonial powers, particularly Belgium. The colonizers institutionalized and deepened ethnic divisions for their own benefit, creating a system of identity cards that would later be used to target victims during the genocide.

Exploitation of historical narratives:

• Creation of pseudo-scientific racial theories
• Favoritism towards Tutsis during colonial rule
• Post-independence power struggles and resentment
• Propaganda and hate speech leading up to the genocide

The manipulation of historical narratives and ethnic identities played a crucial role in fueling the tensions that ultimately led to the genocide. Understanding this complex history is essential for comprehending the events of 1994 and working towards reconciliation.

4. The international community's failure to intervene

I cannot say I have very fond memories of my time studying to be a pastor. Many of my fellow students were bright and eager, and I enjoyed picking apart biblical passages with them, but a good number of them also had no interest in being there.

Inaction and indifference. The international community, including the United Nations and powerful countries like the United States, failed to intervene effectively to stop the Rwandan genocide. Despite early warnings and clear evidence of mass killings, the response was inadequate and often counterproductive.

Factors contributing to inaction:

• Reluctance to use the term "genocide" to avoid legal obligations
• Recent failures in peacekeeping missions (e.g., Somalia)
• Lack of strategic interest in Rwanda
• Bureaucratic obstacles and political calculations

The failure to intervene allowed the genocide to continue unabated for 100 days, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people. This inaction has led to soul-searching and attempts to reform international responses to mass atrocities.

5. The horrors of the Rwandan genocide: 100 days of slaughter

Eight hundred thousand lives snuffed out in one hundred days. That's eight thousand lives a day. More than five lives per minute. Each one of those lives was like a little world in itself.

Scale and brutality of the genocide. The Rwandan genocide was characterized by its speed, efficiency, and unimaginable brutality. Neighbors turned against neighbors, and ordinary citizens became killers, often using machetes and other rudimentary weapons.

Key aspects of the genocide:

• Use of radio (RTLM) to spread hate propaganda and coordinate killings
• Targeting of moderate Hutus alongside Tutsis
• Destruction of social fabric and trust within communities
• Use of rape as a weapon of war
• Involvement of civilians in mass killings

The personal nature of the killings, often carried out by people who knew their victims, left deep scars on Rwandan society. The trauma of these events continues to affect survivors and the nation as a whole.

6. Survival strategies: Resourcefulness and humanity in crisis

We had Hutu and Tutsi sleeping beside each other. Strangers on the floor, many of whom had witnessed their families being butchered, would sometime sleep spoon style just to feel the touch of another.

Improvisation and resourcefulness. In the face of extreme danger and scarcity, Rusesabagina and the refugees at the Hotel Mille Collines had to be incredibly resourceful to survive. They faced challenges such as lack of water, food shortages, and constant threats from militias.

Survival tactics:

• Using swimming pool water for drinking and sanitation
• Rationing food and supplies
• Creating a makeshift governance system within the hotel
• Maintaining routines to preserve a sense of normalcy
• Leveraging international connections for support

Despite the horrific circumstances, moments of humanity and solidarity emerged. People from different backgrounds came together, supporting each other and finding strength in their shared struggle for survival.

7. The aftermath: Rebuilding lives and seeking justice

It is not such a bad thing to start one's life afresh. I was forty-two years old. We had a lot of bad memories, but we were all in good physical health and we all had hope for a better life in our new country.

Challenges of post-genocide recovery. In the aftermath of the genocide, Rwanda faced enormous challenges in rebuilding its society, economy, and political system. Many survivors, including Rusesabagina, grappled with trauma and the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Key aspects of the aftermath:

• Pursuit of justice through international tribunals and local courts
• Efforts at reconciliation and national unity
• Economic reconstruction and development
• Diaspora experiences and the challenges of exile
• Ongoing struggles with trauma and memory

The process of healing and rebuilding is ongoing, both for individuals and for Rwandan society as a whole. While progress has been made, the legacy of the genocide continues to shape the country's trajectory and the lives of its people.

Last updated: November 19, 2024