"Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda" is a profound examination of the Rwandan genocide through the eyes of Lieutenant General Romeo Dallaire, who was the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces during the crisis. The book details the international community's inaction and the overwhelming challenges faced by Dallaire as he witnessed the atrocities unfolding in 1994. His reflections highlight the moral and ethical failings of world leaders who were aware of the impending disaster yet chose to turn a blind eye.
Dallaire provides a deeply personal account of his struggles with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as he grapples with the horrors he experienced. He recounts the bravery of the Rwandan people, the complexities of the local conflict, and the limitations of the UN's mandate. By sharing these experiences, Dallaire seeks to honor the victims and emphasize the consequences of indifference and negligence in the face of human suffering.