Burundi Accuses Rwanda of Planning Aggression Amid Rising Tensions

In an exclusive BBC interview, Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye warns of Rwanda's alleged intentions to attack Burundi, citing historical grievances and the need for dialogue. Both nations remain at a standstill regarding peace agreements, amidst escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye has expressed grave concerns during an exclusive interview with the BBC, alleging that credible intelligence indicates Rwanda is preparing for an attack on his country. Drawing parallels with Rwanda's prior attempts at orchestrating a coup in Burundi nearly a decade ago, Ndayishimiye likened the current situation to Rwanda's involvement in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a swift rebuttal, Rwanda's government termed the president's claims as "surprising," emphasizing ongoing cooperation regarding security along their shared border, which has been closed for over a year. Despite ample UN evidence, Rwanda consistently denies accusations of providing support or munitions to the M23 rebel group currently engaged in eastern DRC conflicts.

Ndayishimiye further implicated Rwanda in backing the Red Tabara rebel group, which he claims seeks to destabilize Burundi. "Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has a plan to attack Burundi," he asserted, insisting that the people of Burundi are prepared to defend themselves against such threats while maintaining a desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Central to Ndayishimiye's statements was a call for Rwanda to uphold previously signed peace treaties, which he contends have not been honored. He recounted past instances where Rwanda allegedly trained and armed factions responsible for coups in Burundi, arguing that accountability from Rwanda could resolve ongoing tensions.

The situation escalates as the closure of the Rwanda-Burundi border persists, particularly with Red Tabara forces conducting attacks on Burundian soil. Yet, Ndayishimiye noted that Rwanda isn't Burundi's only concern, pointing to the chaotic landscape in the DRC driven by foreign interests and rebel factions vying for valuable assets.

"The crisis in the DRC stems not from its people but from external forces eager to exploit its minerals," he remarked, advocating for collaborative dialogue involving all stakeholders, including opposition parties.

While advocating for dialogue, Ndayishimiye affirmed that the Burundian military presence in DRC will continue until assurances of border safety are provided. Recently, regional leaders announced the withdrawal of southern African forces engaged in the DRC, underscoring the volatility of the situation as hostilities continue to unfold.