What strategies did the international community use to intervene in Rwanda?

The international community primarily used diplomatic pressure, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping forces to intervene in Rwanda.

The Rwandan genocide in 1994 was a horrific event that shocked the world. The international community, led by the United Nations (UN), used several strategies to intervene. One of the primary methods was diplomatic pressure. The UN and other international bodies exerted significant pressure on the Rwandan government to cease the violence and respect human rights. This was done through public statements, resolutions, and private diplomacy. However, the effectiveness of this strategy was limited due to the intensity of the conflict and the unwillingness of the Rwandan government to cooperate.

Another significant strategy was the provision of humanitarian aid. The genocide resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of urgent assistance. International organisations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme provided food, water, medical aid, and shelter to those affected. This aid was crucial in alleviating the suffering of the Rwandan people and preventing further loss of life.

The UN also deployed peacekeeping forces to Rwanda as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). The mission's mandate was to help implement the Arusha Accords, a peace agreement intended to end the Rwandan Civil War. However, the peacekeepers were not authorised to use force except in self-defence, limiting their ability to prevent the genocide. The mission was also severely under-resourced and faced numerous operational challenges.

Despite these efforts, the international community's response to the Rwandan genocide has been widely criticised. Many argue that the response was too slow, inadequate, and failed to prevent the mass killings. The UN itself has acknowledged its failures in Rwanda, leading to significant reforms in its approach to peacekeeping and the prevention of genocide. The lessons learned from Rwanda continue to shape international responses to conflicts and humanitarian crises today.