ACCESSING CLASSIFIED FILES
Decrypting documents...
Your connection is being monitored
Back to Individuals
low risk
Romeo Dallaire
Canadian Senator and Retired Lieutenant-General
UN Force Commander in Rwanda Who Warned of Genocide
Overview
Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire served as Force Commander of UNAMIR during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. He sent the famous "Genocide Fax" warning UN headquarters on January 11, 1994. His pleas for reinforcements were denied. Dallaire remained throughout the genocide, saving thousands while 800,000 were murdered. He suffered severe PTSD and became an advocate against genocide.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Sent "Genocide Fax" warning on January 11, 1994 - UN refused to authorize action
Pleaded for reinforcements; Security Council instead reduced his force from 2,500 to 270
Remained in Rwanda throughout genocide, risking his life to protect civilians
Suffered severe PTSD; attempted suicide multiple times; became mental health advocate
Related Investigations (2)
Known Associates & Connections
Theoneste Bagosora
Organized the genocide Dallaire tried to prevent
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- 1946-06-25
- Birthplace
- Denekamp, Netherlands
Education
- •Royal Military College of Canada
- •US Marine Corps Command and Staff College
Key Timeline
1946-06-25
Born in Netherlands
1993-10
Arrives in Kigali as UNAMIR Force Commander
1994-01-11
Sends "Genocide Fax" warning of extermination plan
1994-04-06
Genocide begins; Dallaire pleads for help
1994-04-21
UN reduces UNAMIR from 2,500 to 270 troops
2003
Publishes "Shake Hands with the Devil"