Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has alleged that Rwanda is planning an attack on Burundi, citing what he calls credible intelligence. Speaking in an exclusive interview, he also accused Rwanda of supporting the Red Tabara rebel group to destabilize his country, similar to its alleged involvement with the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The accusations add to the growing tensions between the two East African nations, as conflict in eastern DRC continues to escalate, displacing thousands of people.
However, Rwanda has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “surprising” and insisting that both nations are cooperating on border security efforts. The Rwandan government maintains that it is not involved in supporting armed groups and has dismissed claims that it played a role in the failed 2015 coup attempt in Burundi.
Despite United Nations (UN) reports linking Rwanda to the M23 rebels, Kigali has continued to reject any allegations of involvement in regional conflicts.
President Ndayishimiye stated that while Burundi is not planning to attack Rwanda, his country will not sit back if provoked. He called on Rwanda to respect past peace agreements between the two nations.
“We want dialogue, but we will not sit idle if we are attacked. We know that Rwanda has a plan, but Burundians will not accept to be killed like the people in DRC,” he warned.
Beyond Burundi’s concerns, the ongoing war in DRC remains a major issue, with various armed groups, including M23 rebels, militias, and foreign interests, battling for control of the country’s rich mineral resources.
Ndayishimiye blamed external forces for fueling the conflict, stating:
“The crisis in the DRC is not about the people; it is about the minerals. Those who do not want peace are the ones benefiting from this war.”
He urged an inclusive dialogue between opposition parties, armed groups, and international actors to find a lasting solution.
As violence continues in DRC, thousands of Congolese refugees are fleeing into neighboring countries, including Burundi. Many have crossed the Rusizi River, risking their lives to escape the conflict.
Despite concerns over safety, Burundi’s president denied claims that his country’s border with DRC is closed, arguing that refugees could return whenever they wished.
“When they come, they are our visitors. But if they want to go back, they are free to do so,” he said.
Ndayishimiye emphasized that Burundi’s forces would remain in DRC until the country’s borders are fully secure. He also called for an expanded mandate for international forces to effectively engage with rebel groups in the region.
Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently announced plans to withdraw its troops from DRC, raising further concerns about regional stability.
