An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography by Paul Rusesabagina

Introduction

Paul Rusesabagina was born in Rwanda and grew up during the country’s struggle for independence from Belgium. He worked as a hotel manager during the Rwandan genocide, when he used his position to shelter over 1,200 Tutsi refugees from the Hutu militia. After the genocide, he moved to the United States, where he became an outspoken critic of the Rwandan government. His autobiography, An Ordinary Man, tells the story of his life and his efforts to save the lives of others during one of the worst atrocities in recent history.

Rusesabagina’s story is one of courage and hope in the face of unimaginable violence. He shows how one person can make a difference in the lives of others, even in the midst of great evil. His book is an important reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

How One Man’s Courage Saved Over 1,200 Lives During the Rwandan Genocide

In 1994, Rwanda was plunged into a devastating civil war that left over 800,000 people dead. The fighting was characterized by brutal violence against civilians, with entire families being massacred.

In the midst of this carnage, one man emerged as a true hero. Paul Rusesabagina was the manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines, one of the luxury hotels in the capital city of Kigali.

As the fighting intensified, Rusesabagina opened the doors of the hotel to anyone who needed shelter, regardless of whether they were Hutu or Tutsi. Over the course of three months, he saved the lives of 1,268 people, including women and children.

Rusesabagina’s courageous act was chronicled in the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda.” His story is an inspirational example of what one person can do to make a difference in the face of unimaginable violence.

The Importance of Standing up for What is Right

Rusesabagina says that he was inspired by the example of his father, who was a strong advocate for justice. He also saw the effects of genocide firsthand, as his own family members were killed during the Rwandan civil war. These experiences made him realize that he had to do something to stop the violence.

Rusesabagina used his position as the manager of the Hotel Mille Collines to protect people from the Hutu militia. He provided them with food, water, and shelter, and he even hid some in his own home.

Rusesabagina’s actions prove that one person can make a difference. He is an inspiration to those who believe in the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger.

How The Rwandan Genocide Could Have Been Prevented

The Rwandan genocide was a tragic event that could have been prevented if the international community had intervened sooner. The United Nations (UN) did not act quickly enough to stop the violence, and many countries were reluctant to get involved.

If the UN had sent peacekeeping troops to Rwanda sooner, they could have stopped the killings. However, the UN did not have a mandate to intervene militarily, and many countries were unwilling to provide troops.

The genocide could also have been prevented if more countries had been willing to take in refugees. Over two million people fled Rwanda during the violence, but most neighbouring countries refused to allow them in.

It is important to learn from the mistakes of the past, so that we can prevent future tragedies like the Rwandan genocide. The international community must be more proactive in stopping violence and protecting civilians. We must also be more generous in welcoming refugees and displaced people.

Conclusion

Paul Rusesabagina’s autobiography, An Ordinary Man, is an important and harrowing account of the Rwandan genocide. Rusesabagina was a hotel manager in Kigali during the genocide, and he used his position to save the lives of 1,268 people by sheltering them in his hotel.

Rusesabagina’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of ordinary people in times of crisis. He is an ordinary man who did extraordinary things, and his story is an inspiration to us all.