Meaning: This quote by Ryszard Kapuscinski, a renowned Polish journalist, sheds light on the complex relationship between the international community and Idi Amin, the former president of Uganda. In this quote, Kapuscinski highlights the paradoxical nature of the world's awareness of Amin's atrocities and the delayed action taken by the American Senate to cut off trade relations with his regime.

Idi Amin, who ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, was known for his brutal and dictatorial regime. His rule was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, including political repression, torture, and mass killings. Despite the well-documented nature of Amin's oppressive rule, the international response to his regime was often slow and inadequate.

Kapuscinski's observation that "Amin hid nothing. Everybody knew everything" underscores the fact that Amin's atrocities were widely known and reported by the media. There was no shortage of evidence documenting the human rights abuses and the oppressive nature of his regime. Yet, despite this awareness, the international community, including the American Senate, was slow to take decisive action against Amin's regime.

The quote also highlights the role of trade relations in international diplomacy and the complex considerations that shape foreign policy decisions. The fact that the American Senate only introduced a resolution to break off trade with Amin three months before his overthrow raises questions about the priorities and motivations of international actors in dealing with oppressive regimes.

The delayed action by the American Senate also reflects the complexities of international politics and the challenges of balancing economic interests with moral and ethical considerations. It suggests that economic and strategic interests often influence the decisions of governments, even in the face of human rights abuses and oppressive regimes.

Kapuscinski's work as a journalist often focused on the dynamics of power and the complexities of international relations, and this quote is a poignant reflection of his keen observations. It serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the international community when confronted with oppressive regimes and human rights abuses.

In conclusion, Ryszard Kapuscinski's quote encapsulates the paradox of global awareness of Idi Amin's atrocities and the delayed international response to his oppressive rule. It raises important questions about the role of trade relations, economic interests, and moral considerations in shaping foreign policy decisions. The quote serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of international politics and the challenges of addressing human rights abuses on the global stage.