Burundi’s president has informed the newsmen’s that he possesses “credible intelligence” indicating that Rwanda intends to launch an attack on his nation.
Évariste Ndayishimiye further claimed that Rwanda attempted a coup in Burundi a decade ago, similar to its current actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In response, Rwanda described the president’s remarks as “surprising” and emphasized that the two countries are collaborating on security measures for their shared border, which has been closed for more than a year.
Despite substantial evidence from the UN, Rwanda has consistently denied providing support or arms to the M23 rebel group, which has recently taken control of significant areas in eastern DR Congo alongside Rwandan forces.
Rwanda has also rejected any connections to the resurgent Red Tabara rebel group, which President Ndayishimiye alleges acts as a proxy force akin to the M23 and is being backed by Rwanda to create instability in Burundi.
“They would claim it’s an internal issue when, in fact, Rwanda is the real problem. We are aware that he [Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame] has intentions to attack Burundi,” Ndayishimiye stated.
Burundians will not tolerate being subjected to violence like that faced by the Congolese. The Burundian people are resilient fighters.
“Currently, we have no intentions of launching an attack on Rwanda. Our goal is to address the issue through dialogue.”
Ndayishimiye’s remarks emphasized the importance of peace and the need for the full execution of a previously signed agreement between the two countries, which Burundi claims Rwanda has failed to uphold.
“The individuals behind the 2015 coup were organized by Rwanda, and they subsequently fled. Rwanda was responsible for recruiting youth from the Mahama camp, providing them with training, weapons, and financial support. They remain under Rwanda’s influence,” he asserts.
“If Rwanda agrees to surrender these individuals and bring them to justice, the issue would be resolved.”
