Human Rights Essay

This article’s author makes a case for how the wealthy are oppressed by those in positions of authority. Totalitarian rule was practiced in the Republic of Rwanda, which required all residents to participate in communal labor. Political unrest in the area is a consequence of this undemocratic leadership. Since only the poor suffer while the wealthy benefit, not everyone is pleased with this leadership.

In conclusion, the author attempts to provide an explanation for Rwanda’s political unrest and inequality. The author claims that Rwandans experienced severe hardship under Habyarimana’s rule. The majority of people were living in poverty, but those in positions of authority were taking advantage of the resources. The unstable economic conditions of the country resulted in increased taxes and forced labor (Gourevitch 81). The poor also suffered in the hands of corrupt government officials. Additionally, the author talks about fatal illnesses in the region. The article explains that the locals regarded sorcery and poisoning as the cause of the illness (Gourevitch 80). Moreover, due to the unrest in the country, people lost trust and confidence in others. For instance, in Rwanda, when you visit a restaurant, it is recommended that the waiter serves you with the bottle caps on for fear of poisoning.

Another issue that is being talked in this article is the murder of innocent people. Every individual has the right to live. However, in a situation when one goes against the will of the authority, they get assassinated. The article provides an example of Dian Fossey who was killed with a machete. Also, the defendant of the case was hanged before testifying in the case (Gourevitch 78). These incidences portray the brutality in our society. The question I would like to ask is that why did Western countries turn a blind eye towards the dictatorship in Rwanda?

Work Cited

Gourevitch, Philip. “We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families: Stories from Rwanda.” New York: Picador, 1998.