Burundi President Accuses Rwanda of Plotting Attack, Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has accused neighboring Rwanda of planning a military attack on his country, stating that he has received “credible intelligence” pointing to such intentions. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, he also alleged that Rwanda supported a failed coup attempt in 2015, likening it to Rwanda’s current alleged involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The accusations come as relations between the two nations remain frozen, with their shared border closed for over a year. Rwanda has denied the claims, calling them “surprising” and asserting that both countries have been collaborating on security matters.
Red Tabara and M23 Allegations
President Ndayishimiye linked Rwanda to the Red Tabara rebel group, a force responsible for attacks in Burundi. He claims Rwanda is using Red Tabara as a proxy, much like its alleged support of M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
“We know President Kagame has a plan to attack Burundi,” Ndayishimiye said. “Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed.”
Despite these strong words, the president emphasized Burundi’s desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue, not war.
Historical Grievances and Unresolved Issues
Referring to the 2015 coup attempt, Ndayishimiye said the perpetrators were organized, trained, and armed by Rwanda, and still remain under Rwanda’s protection. He demanded their extradition to face justice, stating that doing so would bring an end to the tension.
“If Rwanda accepts to hand them over, the problem would be finished,” he said.
The peace agreement between the two countries, signed in previous years, remains unfulfilled, according to Burundi.
Rwanda-DRC Conflict and Regional Fallout
Ndayishimiye also blamed external powers for prolonging the war in mineral-rich eastern Congo, saying they benefit from the chaos to loot the DRC’s resources. He urged all stakeholders, including armed groups and political opposition, to engage in inclusive dialogue.
He questioned Rwanda’s justification for military operations in DRC, pointing out that Congolese civilians, not rebels, are the ones being killed.
Congolese Refugees and Border Concerns
As fighting in eastern DRC intensifies, thousands of Congolese refugees have fled to Burundi—many crossing the Rusizi River in dangerous makeshift boats, some losing their lives in the process. However, Ndayishimiye denied that Burundi’s border with DRC is closed.
“They can go back, we will not refuse them. But while they are here, they are our visitors,” he said.
He added that Burundi shares its limited resources with the refugees but stressed that they cannot expect luxury treatment.
Call for Stronger International Mandate
To bring peace to the region, Ndayishimiye called for a stronger mandate for international peacekeeping forces in the DRC, empowering them to confront rebel groups directly. He also confirmed that Burundi will maintain troops in the DRC until it is certain that its own borders are secure.
His remarks come after Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations announced plans to withdraw troops from DRC, following heavy casualties in recent fighting.
