Africa (Commonwealth Union) _Amid escalating tensions, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye faces accusations from Rwandan authorities of making “inflammatory allegations aimed at sowing division among Rwandans.”
This dispute has reignited longstanding tensions between Rwanda and Burundi, heightened by the recent closure of all crossing points between the two nations by Burundi. The core of the conflict lies in President Ndayishimiye’s renewed accusations that Rwanda is providing financial backing and training to rebels affiliated with the RED-Tabara group.
The RED-Tabara rebels, viewed as a terrorist movement by Burundian authorities, have been accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt in 2015. Originating in 2011, the group has been linked to various attacks in Burundi since 2015. President Ndayishimiye’s recent remarks, made during a youth conference in Kinshasa, further fueled the diplomatic strife. The Burundian leader asserted that the region should persist in its efforts until the Rwandan people themselves pressure their government.
Rwandan authorities swiftly condemned Ndayishimiye’s comments, labeling them as “inflammatory” and asserting that calls for an uprising against the government undermine the country’s unity and pose a threat to regional security. The Rwandan statement expressed deep concern over the Burundian leader’s attempt to incite young Rwandans to overthrow their government, deeming it irresponsible and a blatant violation of the African Union’s charter.
This diplomatic clash follows Burundi’s recent decision to close its borders with Rwanda, expelling Rwandan citizens in response to alleged support for RED-Tabara. The rebels conducted an attack on the Burundian village of Gatumba last month, resulting in at least 20 fatalities.
Both Rwanda and Burundi are members of the East African Community, where conflicts have sporadically hindered the free movement of people and goods, impeding the community’s trade ambitions. Additionally, Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda of aggression in eastern Congo, where government forces are engaged in combat against the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies any authority over the M23, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
