Book SummaryWe Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families, by Philip Gourevitch

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The widespread carnage that occurred in Rwanda in 1994 was the result of a confluence of social, historical, and political factors.

The intricate dynamics of ethnic distinctions and the historical impact of colonial rule played a significant role in the battle for control in Rwanda prior to the genocide.

The narrative delves into Rwanda's complex historical evolution, examining how the once-flexible social distinctions between Hutus and Tutsis solidified into rigid ethnic categories during Belgian colonization. Gourevitch emphasizes the role of historical narratives and power dynamics in shaping these identities, transcending the simplistic idea of enduring ethnic hostilities.

The evolution of the Hutu and Tutsi identities from flexible social categories to strict ethnic groups occurred during Belgian colonial rule.

Gourevitch contests the common perception that depicts Hutus and Tutsis as distinct ethnic groups with a longstanding history of hostility. He emphasizes the unclear origins of these ethnic distinctions, noting that they were once associated with one's occupation, with Hutus typically taking up agriculture and Tutsis focusing on cattle raising. Prior to colonial impact, the societal groups within Rwanda allowed for intermarriage and social mobility, thereby creating less distinct divisions among them. The distinction between Hutu and Tutsi was accentuated within the Rwandan monarchy, often resulting in a bias towards selecting Tutsis for positions of authority.

The Belgian colonial rule markedly exacerbated the divide between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnicities. The Belgians embraced the baseless notion that the Tutsi were superior. Gourevitch demonstrates how this deception was meticulously maintained by implementing prejudiced actions, including the issuance of ethnic-based identity cards and an education system that was slanted to benefit Tutsis. He argues that the ethnic conflicts that escalated into widespread slaughter were sparked by colonial interference, which was fueled by unfounded scientific assertions and self-centered actions.

Context

• The Belgians used pseudoscientific methods, such as measuring skull sizes, to justify their belief in Tutsi superiority. This was part of a broader trend of scientific racism that influenced colonial policies worldwide.
• Cattle held cultural and economic importance in Rwandan society, often used in bride price and as a symbol of wealth, which contributed to the elevated status of those involved in cattle raising.
• The colonial administration's preference for Tutsis was partly based on the erroneous belief that they were more "European" in appearance and thus more suited to leadership roles, which entrenched social divisions.
• The Belgians manipulated cultural narratives to justify their policies, often rewriting history to emphasize differences and create a narrative of inherent division between the groups.
• The Belgians found it administratively convenient to work through a centralized authority, which they established by empowering the Tutsi minority, thus simplifying governance and resource extraction.
• The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European powers divided Africa into colonies, set the stage for arbitrary borders and divisions that ignored existing social and ethnic landscapes, leading to long-term conflicts.
• Colonizers imposed their own cultural values and systems, often disregarding and undermining existing social structures. This imposition included altering traditional leadership roles and societal hierarchies to align with colonial interests.

The Tutsi community faced increasing prejudice and subjugation during the 1959 uprising and the following era of autonomy, a situation that originated from the doctrines spread by the Hutu.

Gourevitch argues that the 1959 uprising of the Hutus, often depicted as a liberation from Tutsi "feudalism," merely inverted the social order, replacing Tutsi dominance with that of the Hutus. The uprising, ignited by claims of a Hutu politician's death, unleashed a wave of violence targeting Tutsis and resulted in many fleeing to other countries. The author emphasizes the critical influence of Belgian Colonel Guy Logiest during the uprising, as he strategically placed Hutus in key positions to enable their ascent to power.

Gourevitch thoroughly documents the repeated cycles of strife and expulsions that plagued Rwanda following its independence, where authorities within the Hutu populace, such as President Kayibanda, persistently incited animosity and masterminded attacks, using alleged incursions by Tutsi insurgents, pejoratively labeled as "cockroaches," as pretexts. The pervasive oppression of the Tutsi population resulted in their widespread dispersal, creating a prolonged refugee crisis throughout the African continent. Gourevitch argues that the combination of historical narratives and political manipulation created a climate filled with fear and antagonism, ultimately paving the way for the tragic widespread slaughter.

Context

• The Hutu Manifesto of 1957, a document written by Hutu intellectuals, called for the end of Tutsi dominance and laid the groundwork for the uprising by advocating for Hutu rights and political power.
• After the uprising, the new Hutu-led government implemented policies that marginalized Tutsis, including quotas limiting their access to education and government jobs.
• The international community largely viewed the 1959 events through the lens of decolonization, often overlooking the ethnic dimensions and the long-term implications for Rwandan society.
• In the late 1950s, as decolonization movements gained momentum across Africa, the Belgians shifted...

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families Summary The global community's reaction to the rampant unrest that occurred in Rwanda.

The book delivers a strong critique of the international community's indifference and inaction during the Rwandan massacre. Gourevitch delivers an in-depth analysis of the reluctance of the United Nations to acknowledge the widespread slaughter in Rwanda, as well as the self-interested political maneuvers of major countries, particularly the United States and France, leading to catastrophic consequences because of this oversight.

The international community's failure to act, despite being well-informed and observing the genocide unfold.

Despite widespread knowledge of the impending genocide, the international community's failure to act allowed the massacre to unfold swiftly and with horrifying accuracy. He underscores the bureaucratic inertia of global institutions and their reluctance to acknowledge the methodical annihilation, even when confronted with irrefutable evidence.

Despite urgent requests from its personnel in the field, the United Nations delayed recognizing the widespread slaughter and chose not to reinforce its contingent of peacekeepers.

The book emphasizes the efforts of the commander overseeing the United Nations' mission for human rights in Rwanda,...

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families Summary The initiatives to foster reconciliation and pursue accountability were integral to the reconstruction efforts in Rwanda following the genocide.

This section delves into the complexities of rebuilding Rwanda and the efforts to cultivate a climate conducive to both justice and healing in the aftermath of the genocide. Gourevitch examines how the administration led by the RPF is working to create a society based on unity and accountability, acknowledging both the progress achieved and the persistent challenges.

Rwanda was confronted with the colossal task of rebuilding its shattered societal frameworks and systems following the genocide.

Gourevitch underscores the considerable challenges faced by the RPF-led government in its efforts to reconstruct the nation. The author emphasizes not only the tangible destruction but also the psychological damage, reduced human potential, and the pervasive sense of grief coupled with an overarching suspicion that permeated throughout society in Rwanda. The arrival of numerous refugees, which included a significant proportion of individuals who had participated in the genocide, introduced further complications and strains.

The countrywide lack of resources, infrastructure, and skilled labor severely hindered the rehabilitation initiatives.

Gourevitch vividly depicts the utter...

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families Summary The mass violence in Rwanda catalyzed transformative shifts that affected the political and social landscape throughout Africa.

The examination explores the broader ramifications stemming from Rwanda's horrific events, highlighting how they contributed to the destabilization of neighboring countries and altered the regional power dynamics. Gourevitch emphasizes how refugee camps evolved into areas with heightened military activity, coupled with the emergence of new partnerships and hostilities, and the intensified resolve of African leaders to tackle the issues of their continent independently.

The turmoil originating in Rwanda significantly impacted neighboring countries, particularly the nation now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The arrival of a large number of Rwandan refugees significantly compromised the stability of neighboring countries, particularly Zaire. He meticulously documents how the refugee camps evolved into hotbeds of intensifying strife, a condition worsened by the activities of Hutu Power forces and the implicit backing from Mobutu's regime.

The refugee camps became militarized when they fell under the control of groups committed to the ideology of Hutu Power, orchestrating their operations from the inside.

The author depicts how the leaders of Hutu Power,...