Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye has warned of potential aggression from Rwanda, citing "credible intelligence" about an impending attack, while Rwanda counters the claims, asserting commitment to security cooperation.
**Tensions Rise as Burundi Accuses Rwanda of Imminent Attack**
**Tensions Rise as Burundi Accuses Rwanda of Imminent Attack**
Burundi's President Expresses Concerns Over Rwandan Military Actions in Exclusive Interview
In a revealing BBC interview, Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye has raised alarms about a possible military offensive from Rwanda, alleging he possesses "credible intelligence" regarding an impending attack. He draws parallels between the current tensions and Rwanda's past attempts to initiate a coup in Burundi nearly ten years prior, comparing it to Rwanda's current involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In response to Ndayishimiye’s claims, Rwanda labeled the accusations as “surprising” and reiterated its commitment to security efforts along their mutually-contested border, which has remained closed for over a year. Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of supporting factions like the M23 rebel group in the DRC, which has recently captured significant territory in the eastern region, and he suggests that Rwanda has similarly backed the Red Tabara rebels in attempts to destabilize Burundi.
"The Burundian people will not remain idle in the face of aggression," stated Ndayishimiye. However, he emphasized a preference for dialogue and conflict resolution over military confrontation, calling for respect for existing peace agreements between the two nations. "If Rwanda agrees to return those who were involved in the past conflict to justice, we could end this problem," he added, voicing hopes for diplomatic engagement.
Simultaneously, the Burundian president addressed the broader crisis in the DRC, associating external forces with ongoing violence and resource exploitation. He asserted that the conflict primarily revolves around the mineral wealth of the DRC rather than its populace's well-being. "We need inclusive discussions that incorporate all relevant parties to pave a path forward," he explained.
Despite the tensions with Rwanda, Ndayishimiye cautioned that Burundi is also grappling with significant challenges stemming from the DRC conflict. He alleged that the international mandate in the DRC must be broadened to effectively manage the rebellion threats in the area, insisting that Burundi’s military presence continues until assurances on border security are provided.
The fragile dynamics between the two countries have implications for regional stability, as thousands of Congolese refugees continue to flee to Burundi in search of safety, a situation compounded by the closure of the DR Congo-Burundi border.
While calling for peace and cooperation, President Ndayishimiye remains cautious and prepared for any threats to Burundian sovereignty, aimed at protecting his nation amidst escalating regional tensions.
In response to Ndayishimiye’s claims, Rwanda labeled the accusations as “surprising” and reiterated its commitment to security efforts along their mutually-contested border, which has remained closed for over a year. Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of supporting factions like the M23 rebel group in the DRC, which has recently captured significant territory in the eastern region, and he suggests that Rwanda has similarly backed the Red Tabara rebels in attempts to destabilize Burundi.
"The Burundian people will not remain idle in the face of aggression," stated Ndayishimiye. However, he emphasized a preference for dialogue and conflict resolution over military confrontation, calling for respect for existing peace agreements between the two nations. "If Rwanda agrees to return those who were involved in the past conflict to justice, we could end this problem," he added, voicing hopes for diplomatic engagement.
Simultaneously, the Burundian president addressed the broader crisis in the DRC, associating external forces with ongoing violence and resource exploitation. He asserted that the conflict primarily revolves around the mineral wealth of the DRC rather than its populace's well-being. "We need inclusive discussions that incorporate all relevant parties to pave a path forward," he explained.
Despite the tensions with Rwanda, Ndayishimiye cautioned that Burundi is also grappling with significant challenges stemming from the DRC conflict. He alleged that the international mandate in the DRC must be broadened to effectively manage the rebellion threats in the area, insisting that Burundi’s military presence continues until assurances on border security are provided.
The fragile dynamics between the two countries have implications for regional stability, as thousands of Congolese refugees continue to flee to Burundi in search of safety, a situation compounded by the closure of the DR Congo-Burundi border.
While calling for peace and cooperation, President Ndayishimiye remains cautious and prepared for any threats to Burundian sovereignty, aimed at protecting his nation amidst escalating regional tensions.
