We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families summary

Understanding the Rwandan Genocide

In We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, Philip Gourevitch provides a comprehensive account of the Rwandan genocide. The book begins with the author's visit to Rwanda in 1995, just a year after the genocide. He describes the country as a place of utter devastation, with mass graves, displaced people, and a pervasive sense of fear and trauma.

Gourevitch delves into the historical context of the genocide, explaining the deep-rooted ethnic tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis, which were exacerbated by colonial powers. He also highlights the role of the media in inciting violence, as well as the international community's failure to intervene despite early warnings of an impending genocide.

Survivors' Stories and the Aftermath

The heart of We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families lies in the stories of the survivors. Gourevitch interviews numerous individuals who lived through the horrors of the genocide, including a Tutsi woman who survived by hiding in a septic tank and a Hutu man who was forced to participate in the killings. These personal accounts provide a chilling insight into the scale of the atrocities committed.

The author also explores the aftermath of the genocide, focusing on the challenges of justice and reconciliation. He discusses the controversial use of traditional community courts, known as gacacas, to try the perpetrators, as well as the difficulties faced by the survivors in forgiving those who had killed their loved ones.

International Response and the Role of the Media

Gourevitch critically examines the international community's response to the genocide, arguing that the United Nations and major world powers failed to take decisive action to stop the killings. He also highlights the role of the media, particularly the radio station Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), in spreading hate propaganda and inciting violence.

The author emphasizes the need for accountability and the prevention of future genocides. He criticizes the Western media for its superficial coverage of the genocide and its tendency to portray Africa as a continent of perpetual conflict and suffering, rather than addressing the underlying causes of such violence.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

In conclusion, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Rwandan genocide. Gourevitch argues that the international community's failure to intervene was not just a failure of policy, but a failure of humanity.

He stresses the importance of acknowledging and learning from such atrocities, and the need for a more proactive approach to preventing future genocides. The book ends on a note of cautious optimism, highlighting the resilience of the Rwandan people and their efforts towards reconciliation and rebuilding their shattered nation.