French Culture at Stake in Rwanda
"Without Africa, France will have no history in the 21st century."I was disturbed by the writings and discussions concerning where that blame was to be placed in the Rwandan genocide, ending in a million Rwandans dead. Although a sole unit cannot receive the burden of all those victims, I find it unacceptable to assert that such a gruesome reality can be justified the way Bruno Delaye, chief adviser on Africa for French President Francois Mitterand, insisted when he explained, "Africans were just that way." Regardless of one's personal opinion if international communities involvement in other countries conflicts is right or wrong, we must recognize the action that was taken and the intervention that did take place. However elementary that may seem, I think in the case of France in the Rwandan genocide, their action is covered up by their non-action. Despite African nations forty years of independence from their French colonizers, France continues to wield considerable political control in many of its former colonies. I will argue France's continued interest in Francophone Africa is due to not only their economic investments but also because of their desire to nurture and expand the French cultu
Still, such an argument cannot justify France's investment in Rwanda, because natural resources are not abundant for French exploitation. However, protection of Rwanda would mean more stability and control in the wealthy region. Backing Rwanda offered a chance to outdo Belgium, its old colonial master, but also to humiliate Anglo-Saxon forces Prunier, Gerard. The Rwanda Crisis: History of a Genocide. London: Hurst and Everybody knows that "Anglo-Saxons," the modern reincarnation of "les Anglais," are among the worst enemies the French ever had; and for the French there is no possible peace in the battle against them; any lull in the confrontation is only tactical; nothing less than the total victory of one of the contending parties will bring an end to the conflict.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1444
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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