Rwandese Flowers_ 1 to 6

"We slapped them, Dr. Isabelle, because they crossed the line, having the audacity to
attack a lady like you."
"Who did this on my account?"
"The French military. I am Colonel Pierre Raynaud."
"Is France involved in this armed conflict?"
"France and China are supplying the government with arms."
"Which side are you on?"
"In theory, we don't help anybody, but in practice, we uphold the interests of the Hutu
regime, which is one of our allies in global geopolitics issues."
"Is it just because of this?"
He gave her an excuse for France, blaming England instead.
"I don't know for sure, as I am not good at politics, but I think the English are
supporting the Tutsi, which is a sound reason for the French stand by the Hutus."
"I do not see the British around these parts."
"They might be behind the scenes in Uganda from where the Tutsis come to attack the
Hutus."
"How do you support the Hutus?"
"We run a cooperation policy, training the Rwandese military and the militias."
"Good grief! Are you creating such devils?"
"No, Dr. Isabelle. We do not determine their thinking, given that the application of
their skills is a task of the autonomy of this country."
"That doesn't exempt you from any blame."
"Rich countries have programs of military aid to the poor ones. If we do not do it,
another nation will perform this."
"Are you training the Interahamwe?"
"Yes, Dr. Isabelle. The Hutu militia is an armed political force as many others that exist
worldwide. It is drawing attention now because Rwanda is in a state of war when some violent
actions are necessary."
"Can slaying Tutsis indiscriminately be fair?"
"The militia attacks only those against whom they have strong evidence of collaboration
with their aggressors. Thousands of Tutsis in this country want the Rwandan Patriotic Front to win
this war and are doing something in this regard."
"You are a smooth talker, Monsieur Raynaud. If you persist in this argument, you will
convince me to join the Interahamwe and pick up the biggest machete nearby to cut the throat of
people, beginning with that one." Fiddling with my forefinger, I pointed to the place where the
president and General Juvénal Habyarimana were.
"Hahaha. You are witty."
* * * * *
After some time, Isabelle returned to her table where she found Dr. Mike drunk and
jealous. The Frenchman greeted him also, although he was making the doctor pay the price for being
a womanizer. As Pierre Raynaud used to observe the doctor having affairs with more than a few girls,
he did not treat Isabelle as an exclusive Dr. Mike's partner, and additionally, to make matters worse,
the Londoner noticed this too.
* * * * *
"Take a little walk and find a Hutu woman to be with you, French militiaman? Can't
you see that Dr. Isabelle has company tonight?"
"Hahaha. I am not of militias, colleague. Don't be so humorous."
"Get a Tutsi house to burn down because the night is ending."