"We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories from Rwanda" is a book by Philip Gourevitch that tells the story of the Rwandan genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed over the course of 100 days in 1994. The title of the book comes from a letter written by a group of Tutsi pastors to their Belgian superiors, informing them of the imminent danger they faced and asking for help.
The Rwandan genocide was a horrific event that was fueled by centuries of tension and conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes in Rwanda. The Tutsi, who made up about 15% of the population, had traditionally held positions of power and wealth, while the Hutu, who made up the majority of the population, were largely poor farmers. In the years leading up to the genocide, the Hutu government began to whip up anti-Tutsi sentiment, using the media to spread propaganda and hatred.
On April 6, 1994, the plane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down, and within hours the killing began. Militia groups known as the Interahamwe, which were made up of Hutu extremist, started going door-to-door, killing Tutsi and moderate Hutu who opposed the genocide. The killings were carried out with brutal efficiency, with many people being hacked to death with machetes.
As the violence escalated, many Tutsi and moderate Hutu fled to churches and other places of sanctuary, hoping to find safety. However, these places were often targeted by the Interahamwe, and many people were killed while seeking refuge. Despite the efforts of the international community to stop the violence, the genocide continued for 100 days, with little being done to intervene.
The Rwandan genocide was a devastating event that had a profound impact on the country and its people. The trauma of the genocide is still felt today, with many Rwandans struggling to come to terms with the events of the past. However, the country has made great strides in the years since the genocide, and today Rwanda is considered one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa.
In conclusion, "We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families" is a powerful and poignant reminder of the horrors of the Rwandan genocide and the ongoing struggle for reconciliation in the country. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against hatred and violence, and the importance of standing up for what is right.