How long did the Rwandan Genocide last and why was it not stopped sooner? What factors contributed to the duration of the genocide, as described in the documentary.

Answer 1

The Rwandan Genocide lasted approximately 100 days, from April 7th to mid-July 1994. Several factors contributed to the delay in international intervention and the duration of the genocide, as described in various documentaries and historical accounts:

1. Lack of international intervention: The international community, including the United Nations (UN), was slow to respond to the escalating violence in Rwanda. The UN had a small peacekeeping force (UNAMIR) deployed in Rwanda before the genocide, but its mandate and resources were limited. Despite early warnings and requests for intervention, the international community did not provide sufficient support or authorization for a more robust intervention.

2. Historical context: Rwanda had a history of ethnic tensions and deep-rooted divisions between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, a result of colonization and the colonial administration's exploitation of these divisions. These historical grievances and resentments fueled the animosity between the two groups, making the simmering conflict ready to erupt.

3. Leadership failures: The assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, triggered the genocide. Some elements within the government and among extremist Hutu groups exploited the chaos following the President's death to execute their long-planned extermination campaign against the Tutsi population. The Rwandan authorities at that time, including the government, military, and police, were complicit in the genocide or actively orchestrated and supported it.

4. Weak global response: The international community's response to the genocide was characterized by hesitancy, lack of political will, and a failure to recognize the gravity of the situation. Several countries were reluctant to label the events as genocide, as acknowledging it would necessitate immediate action under the UN's Genocide Convention.

5. Overall inertia and lack of coordination: While there were individual instances of heroism and aid, the response from many countries, including major powers, was ineffective. Delays in decision-making, complex bureaucratic processes, and a lack of coordination between nations further hindered timely intervention.

6. Media coverage and misinformation: In the early stages of the genocide, the media coverage was limited and often misguided, with reports downplaying the magnitude of the violence. The international community did not fully comprehend the scale and intensity of the atrocities taking place. This lack of accurate information hindered quick decision-making on intervention.

7. Limited resources and logistical challenges: Deploying a military intervention force in Rwanda posed significant logistical challenges due to the country's landlocked location, poor infrastructure, and limited access to the region. The lack of political will, coupled with concerns about casualties, also affected the willingness of nations to commit military forces.

It is important to note that there were individuals and organizations that attempted to intervene and save lives during the genocide. However, their efforts were hampered by the overwhelming scale and intensity of the violence, as well as the limited support and resources available.