Roméo Dallaire's Shake Hands with the Devil presents a harrowing account of the Rwandan genocide, offering firsthand insights into the failures of international intervention. Reviews praise its raw honesty and powerful narrative but note its emotional intensity may overwhelm some readers. Dallaire's perspective is invaluable, though the graphic content requires a strong constitution.

A reader who would appreciate Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire is likely interested in military history, humanitarian efforts, and global politics. Fans of We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch or The Bang-Bang Club by Greg Marinovich and João Silva would find this compelling.

Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire recounts the author's experiences as the force commander for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR), where he witnessed the breakdown of the peace process and the subsequent Rwandan Genocide. The book details the widespread atrocities, the lack of international support, and Dallaire's profound disillusionment with global political inaction. The material includes graphic descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and human remains.

Dark / Unnerving / Informative / Emotional / Challenging

- Shake Hands with the Devil was adapted into a documentary film in 2004, which won an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Documentary" in 2007.
- The title of the book comes from Dallaire's encounter with the masterminds of the Rwandan Genocide, where he metaphorically "shook hands with the devil."
- Roméo Dallaire, the author of Shake Hands with the Devil, was a Canadian force commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the Rwandan Genocide.

**Lt. General Roméo Dallaire**  
An officer in the Canadian army who served as force commander for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, chronicling his mission and its challenges in his book.

**Kofi Annan**  
The under-secretary-general in charge of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations during UNAMIR, later becoming the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

**Colonel Théoneste Bagosora**  
A military figure associated with the Rwandan Ministry of Defense, playing a significant role during the genocide and the interim government.

**Augustin Bizimana**  
A member of the MRND party and Minister of Defense, representing the Rwandan government at the UN and seen as uncooperative with UNAMIR’s aims.

**Jacques-Roger Booh-Booh**  
The appointed head of UNAMIR who clashed with Dallaire over mission strategies and decisions, later presenting his perspective in a book.

**President Juvénal Habyarimana**  
The dictator of Rwanda whose regime enacted anti-Tutsi policies, ultimately agreeing to the Arusha Peace Agreement before his assassination.

**Jean-Pierre**  
A Hutu informant working under an alias who provided UNAMIR with intelligence about the militia's plans, highlighting the mission's constraints.

**Paul Kagame**  
The military leader of the RPF who played a pivotal role in the group's resistance against government forces before becoming President of Rwanda.

**Agathe Uwilingiyimana (“Madame Agathe”)**  
The Prime Minister of Rwanda and a supporter of peace agreements, known for her moderate political stance and targeted as violence began.

Roméo Dallaire

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Foreword

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Preface-Introduction

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Chapters 1-3

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Chapters 4-6

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Chapters 7-9

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Chapters 10-12

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Chapters 13-15

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Conclusion

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Shake Hands with the Devil Further Reading & Resources

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