Paul Kagame and Rwanda: Power, Genocide and the Rwandan Patriotic Front

Rating:
Summary: Rwanda and Kagame - the full story
Review: ....what the Rwandans need (and I am certain that they also wanted) is an objective approach to events of which most westerners do not have the slightest understanding. I hope now that all along the line they will, like me, agree that this book fills a vital gap in our understanding of events - and the people who shaped them during these turbulent times in Rwanda's history.

By focussing on President Kagame himself, and the RPF and its nascent evolution the book adds much more than many other writers have so far been able to do. It complements well the books of Melvern, Gourevitch, Dallaire and Hochschild - among others.

First, it is extremely readable and captures the changing times and the various moods, I feel, very accurately. It also tells it 'as it was - warts and all' It has given all the events the vital contexts - political, geographical, historic and human behavioral that are ESSENTIAL for a fuller understanding of not only the past but the future possibilities. I learned a great deal myself!

Waugh has done his research well, and thoroughly - and this comes through clearly. It will be MOST interesting to see what the 'detractors' will make of it - and of the author! It will certainly start a great debate.

Anyway, I feel that it should be compulsory reading for all Heads of State (Past and present), Political Advisors in all governments, students in all disciplines - especially leadership and governance - and all UN staff, past present and future should buy at least ten copies - and read them all!

Dr Alan Goodall
Honorary Consul for Rwanda in Scotland