Rwanda has dismissed allegations by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye that Kigali is planning an attack on Burundi. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called the remarks “unfortunate” and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to peace.
Nduhungirehe stated on X that military and intelligence officials from both countries had been in discussions. He added that they had agreed on the need to reduce tensions. Last week, he met with his Burundian counterpart during a joint ministerial meeting between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Harare, Zimbabwe. He said both sides shared the same views on maintaining regional stability.
“Rwanda remains committed to peace with Burundi and stability in the Great Lakes region,” Nduhungirehe said. He expressed hope that future statements from Burundi’s leadership would reflect “a little calm and serenity.”
Nduhungirehe’s comments came after Ndayishimiye told the BBC that Rwandan President Paul Kagame was planning to attack Burundi. Ndayishimiye emphasized that “Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed.” He clarified that Burundi had no intention of attacking Rwanda and preferred to resolve disputes through dialogue.
The Burundian president also repeated claims that Rwanda was involved in a failed 2015 coup attempt in Burundi. After the coup attempt, Burundi closed its border with Rwanda for over five years before reopening it.
Despite recent efforts to improve relations, these allegations highlight the continued diplomatic strain between the two nations.