Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has escalated regional tensions by claiming possession of “credible intelligence” indicating Rwanda is preparing military action against his country, though he expressed hope for diplomatic resolution.
“We know that he has a plan to attack Burundi,” Ndayishimiye stated in a recent interview, referring to Rwandan President Paul Kagame. “Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters.”
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe swiftly characterized the allegations as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that both nations were engaged in ongoing discussions and had previously agreed on military and verbal de-escalation measures.
The diplomatic friction underscores the complex regional dynamics surrounding eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s conflict, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized extensive territory since January, resulting in thousands of casualties. While United Nations reports indicate Rwanda has provided military support to M23, Burundian forces have fought alongside Congolese troops against the rebels.
Rwanda consistently denies supporting M23, maintaining that its military operates defensively against Congo’s army and anti-Kigali militias. Burundi, which has maintained troops in Congo for years targeting Burundian rebels, withdrew approximately 12,000 personnel in February according to diplomatic sources.
Recent weeks have seen multiple high-level meetings between Burundian and Rwandan officials. Sources familiar with these discussions indicate agreements have been reached stipulating that Rwandan forces and M23 would avoid occupying Congo’s Uvira territory, which borders Burundi’s commercial hub of Bujumbura.
Both governments have confirmed these diplomatic engagements without disclosing specific agreements, while regional observers monitor the situation for potential escalation beyond Congo’s borders.