On the Spot in Rwanda: The Challenge to Diplomats and Journalists in Reporting the Genocide
It has been ten years since the genocide in Rwanda, which saw its most intensive slaughter in the spring of 1994. In light of the 10-year anniversary of the tragic events in Rwanda, on April 14 the Institute hosted a special roundtable discussion with three journalists and three diplomats who were on the ground in Kigali and in the region at the time. Moderated by Michael Southwick, former Institute Africa specialist and then deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, the session featured discussion of the multiple challenges faced by journalists in their efforts to obtain and report the story as it unfolded and the role of American diplomats in the region to shape the response of policymakers. The panel discussion was followed by a general question and answer session moderated by Southwick.
Speakers
(Note: 1994 Affiliations listed for all speakers)
Panel I
- Alex Belida
Voice of America - Donatella Lorch
New York Times - Jennifer Parmalee
Washington Post
Panel II
- Thomas Odom
U.S. Military Attaché to Rwanda and Zaire - David Rawson
U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda - Michael Southwick, Moderator
Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Kenya