Shake Hands with the Devil

Shake Hands with the Devil is a haunting memoir by Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, offering a gripping account of his harrowing experience during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Tasked with leading the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), Dallaire quickly discovered that his role was not merely to mediate between two factions seeking peace but to confront an unimaginable horror, as the country spiralled into chaos and bloodshed.

Amidst the unfolding tragedy, Dallaire and his limited peacekeeping forces strived against overwhelming odds to protect civilians in a country descending into madness. For 100 devastating days, more than 800,000 Rwandans were brutally murdered in a genocidal frenzy. Despite Dallaire's fervent pleas for assistance, much of the international community remained indifferent, ignoring the cries for help that could have saved countless lives.

In this detailed narrative, Dallaire recounts his descent from a confident and assured military leader to a deeply troubled survivor grappling with the psychological scars of what he witnessed. Visually and emotionally powerful, Shake Hands with the Devil is more than a memoir; it is a profound examination of the failures of international intervention and a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of those who endured the horror.

The book presents a candid and often disturbing exploration of the stark realities of leadership in catastrophic times. As Dallaire navigates through the chaos, he not only bears witness to humanity at its worst but also reveals glimpses of extraordinary bravery and compassion. Moreover, this work gives a personal and public testimony to the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, as Dallaire recounts the deep psychological aftermath of his experiences.

This intensely personal depiction of historical events serves as a compelling wake-up call to the global community, illustrating the dire consequences of inaction in the face of evil. Shake Hands with the Devil is both a riveting and necessary read, an important reminder of the power and responsibility that rest on the conscience of the world's nations.