In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Burundi's president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has raised alarming claims, stating that Rwanda is planning an attack on Burundi. He cited “credible intelligence” that led him to this conclusion and recalled Rwanda's past attempt to orchestrate a coup in Burundi. As relations between the two countries grow increasingly tense, the Rwandan government responded to the accusations, labeling Ndayishimiye’s statements as “surprising” and reiterating ongoing cooperation over security measures along their shared border which has remained closed for over a year.
Rwanda Accused of Planning Attack on Burundi: President Ndayishimiye's Alarming Claims
Rwanda Accused of Planning Attack on Burundi: President Ndayishimiye's Alarming Claims
Burundi's president asserts credible intelligence points to a potential Rwandan attack, amidst escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.
Ndayishimiye recounted his allegations surrounding Rwanda's alleged role in supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its relationship with the Red Tabara rebel group poised as a destabilizing force in Burundi. Stressing the resilience of Burundian citizens, he asserted, "Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed.”
In emphasizing the desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue, Ndayishimiye conveyed that while he hopes for an amicable settlement, Burundi will not remain idle if provoked. He stated, "We want dialogue, but we will not sit idle if we are attacked," and urged Rwanda to honor agreements previously made between the two nations.
Moreover, the situation is compounded by the ongoing conflict in DRC which has seen a surge of violence among various factions fighting for control of the country’s resources. Ndayishimiye criticized external players for continuing to fuel the conflict and exploiting the DRC's vast mineral wealth, arguing that peace talks must include all parties involved for any meaningful resolution.
With conditions deteriorating, many Congolese refugees have made dangerous crossings into Burundi, seeking safety from the violence. In light of the regional instability, Ndayishimiye called for a reassessment of the mandate of international forces in the DRC, asserting that only with proper engagement can lasting peace be achieved.
The president concluded with stern remarks, questioning the motivations behind the violence as innocents suffer, and calling for respect for peace agreements to safeguard the future of all citizens involved.
In emphasizing the desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue, Ndayishimiye conveyed that while he hopes for an amicable settlement, Burundi will not remain idle if provoked. He stated, "We want dialogue, but we will not sit idle if we are attacked," and urged Rwanda to honor agreements previously made between the two nations.
Moreover, the situation is compounded by the ongoing conflict in DRC which has seen a surge of violence among various factions fighting for control of the country’s resources. Ndayishimiye criticized external players for continuing to fuel the conflict and exploiting the DRC's vast mineral wealth, arguing that peace talks must include all parties involved for any meaningful resolution.
With conditions deteriorating, many Congolese refugees have made dangerous crossings into Burundi, seeking safety from the violence. In light of the regional instability, Ndayishimiye called for a reassessment of the mandate of international forces in the DRC, asserting that only with proper engagement can lasting peace be achieved.
The president concluded with stern remarks, questioning the motivations behind the violence as innocents suffer, and calling for respect for peace agreements to safeguard the future of all citizens involved.
