books@cc.

by Ahmadou Kourouma (1981)

A short novel of early post-colonial Africa: the story of Fama, the prince of Horodugu region, ‘the last of the Dumbuya’ who had reigned over the Malinke and his wife, Salimata.

Why the Truth Doesn’t Always Come Out When the UN Goes In
by Linda Polman (2004).

Common horrifying-slash-absurd images of “humanitarian” movements gone wrong (as always).

and Other Stories
by Nadine Gordimer (1991).

Stories of (moral and psychological tensions of) life in racially-divided countries written with seemingly no committed specific political ideologies.

The Rwandan Genocide: The Killers Speak
by Jean Hatzfeld

Shying away from close analysis of the big picture, Hatzfeld instead focuses on the hands and foot of the genocide, i.e. common men and a few local leaders. The interviews are compiled into chapters, each focusing on specific aspects, interspersed with some overviews and notes by Hatzfeld.

History of a Genocide
by Gérard Prunier (1995)

Meticulously researched, elaborating history and politics of pre-colonial Rwanda, written in a “scientifically” detached tone.

by Philip Gourevitch

This is probably the most popular and accessible book written on Rwandan genocide, a ’smaller canvas’ book that would be a good introduction. Includes personal accounts by some (sometimes key) personnels (including Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and just random people).