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Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye
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Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has claimed his government has credible intelligence that neighboring Rwanda is planning an attack on Burundi. Speaking to the BBC, Ndayishimiye also accused Rwanda of having attempted a coup in Burundi a decade ago, comparing it to Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict.
Rwanda has dismissed the accusations, calling them “surprising” and insisting that both nations are cooperating on border security. The border between the two East African countries has remained closed for over a year.
Despite extensive UN evidence suggesting Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group in DRC, Kigali has denied arming or backing the rebels. Rwanda has also rejected allegations that it supports Red Tabara, a Burundian rebel group accused of attempting to destabilize Burundi.
“We Know Rwanda’s Plan” – Ndayishimiye
President Ndayishimiye maintains that Rwanda is actively working to destabilize Burundi by supporting Red Tabara, just as it allegedly supports M23 in the DRC.
“They would say it’s an internal problem when it’s Rwanda that is the problem. We know that [Rwanda’s President] Paul Kagame has a plan to attack Burundi,” he stated.
However, he stressed that Burundi is not seeking war:
“Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters. But now, we don’t have any plans to attack Rwanda. We want to resolve that problem through dialogue.”
At the heart of his message was a call for peace and the full implementation of a previous agreement between the two nations. Burundi argues that while a peace deal was signed, Rwanda has failed to honor it.
Accusations of a 2015 coup plot
Ndayishimiye further accused Rwanda of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2015, which saw opposition members flee to Rwanda for refuge.
“The people who attempted the 2015 coup were organized by Rwanda. After the failed coup, they ran away, and Rwanda recruited and trained them in the Mahama refugee camp. They were given arms and financed. They remain under Rwanda’s protection,” he alleged.
He called on Rwanda to hand over the fugitives to Burundian authorities to face justice.
“If Rwanda agrees to extradite them, the problem will be over.”
Tensions at the Rwanda-Burundi border
The Rwanda-Burundi border remains closed, a situation that escalated after Red Tabara rebels launched attacks on Burundian soil.
Ndayishimiye’s accusations against Rwanda come at a time when Burundi is also dealing with the wider conflict in the DRC, where multiple armed groups, foreign powers, and militias are fighting for control of mineral-rich territories.
“External forces are responsible for perpetuating the conflict. They don’t want peace in the DRC because they profit from looting resources,” he stated.
According to Ndayishimiye, the only way to resolve the crisis in DRC is through inclusive peace talks involving political opposition and armed groups. “The crisis is not about the people—it is about the minerals.”
However, he emphasized that peace in the DRC also depends on Rwanda’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
“The problem between Rwanda and the DRC is a small problem. It can be solved without killing people. But when Rwanda says it is going to DRC because of the FDLR rebels (accused of links to the 1994 genocide), who is actually being killed? It is Congolese civilians,” he remarked.
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Refugee crisis and Burundi’s stance
Since the conflict escalated in January 2025, thousands of Congolese civilians have fled to Burundi, some making dangerous crossings via the Rusizi River. Many have drowned, including a three-year-old child.
Some refugees claim they are unable to return home because Burundi has closed its border with the DRC—an accusation Ndayishimiye denies.
“No, our border with the Congo is not closed. How did they enter Burundi if it was closed? Even today, they can use the Rusizi River to return,” he insisted.
When asked about the dangers refugees face while crossing the river, his response was blunt: “You know, we didn’t invite them. They can go back anytime; we will not stop them. But while they are here, they are our visitors. And in a visitor’s house, you don’t choose what to eat.”
Burundi’s role in DR Congo and calls for peace
As the conflict in DRC rages on, Burundian forces remain active in the country. Ndayishimiye has vowed not to withdraw Burundian troops until he is assured that Burundi’s borders are secure.
He also called for an expanded mandate for international forces in the DRC, arguing that their current approach has failed to contain the rebels.
Meanwhile, Southern African leaders recently announced that their troops, deployed to fight M23, will be withdrawn from DRC following heavy casualties. At least 19 soldiers have been killed.
With tensions rising across the region, Ndayishimiye’s accusations against Rwanda are likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the two neighbors. Whether peace talks will materialize remains uncertain.
Source: BBC
