Burundi’s president calls on Rwanda to clarify alleged hostility toward Burundi
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of seeking to destabilize Burundi and the wider Great Lakes region, calling on Kigali to clarify what he described as its “hostility” toward his country so that dialogue can take place.
Speaking during his New Year address to Burundians, President Ndayishimiye linked ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to what he called a broader plan that could eventually target Burundi. He alleged that Rwanda harbors individuals who intend to undermine Burundi’s security.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have remained tense since 2015, when Burundi plunged into political crisis following former President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial decision to seek a third term. Burundi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of sheltering those involved in a failed coup attempt that year, led by General Godefroid Niyombare.
President Ndayishimiye reiterated that Burundi continues to request Rwanda to “tell the truth about what it wants from Burundi” so that talks can be held and the dispute resolved peacefully. He said Burundi remains concerned that Rwanda has not provided any explanation that would justify what he described as threats against Burundi.
He also urged Rwanda to extradite individuals Burundi considers criminals so they can face justice, arguing that Burundi has previously handed over suspects wanted by Rwanda. According to Ndayishimiye, such cooperation would demonstrate that Rwanda has abandoned what he called bad intentions toward Burundi.
Rwanda, for its part, has consistently denied the accusations, stating that it has taken only defensive security measures. Kigali has not publicly responded to the latest statements by the Burundian president.
The strained relationship has been further complicated by Burundi’s deployment of troops to eastern DRC in support of the Congolese government against armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement. Burundi and Rwanda have accused each other of undermining peace efforts in the region.
In a recent New Year message, Rwandan President Paul Kagame did not directly address Burundi’s allegations but reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to regional peace agreements, while stressing that Rwanda would not tolerate any threat to its national security.
Despite regional and international efforts to ease tensions, relations between Rwanda and Burundi remain fragile, with mistrust continuing to hinder dialogue and cooperation.
