Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has claimed that he received “credible intelligence” indicating Rwanda has a plan to attack his country. This follows ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Burundi’s forces fighting Rwandan-backed rebels in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Ndayishimiye did not provide details about the alleged plan but expressed hope for a resolution through dialogue.
In an interview with the BBC, he warned that Burundi would not tolerate an attack, stating, “Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters.”
Rwanda quickly dismissed the accusations. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called Ndayishimiye’s statement “unfortunate” and emphasized that the two countries had been in talks, agreeing on the need to de-escalate both militarily and verbally.
The remarks highlight the broader regional implications of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have advanced since January, sparking violence. Rwanda has been accused by the U.N. of supporting the M23, while Burundi has been involved in combating Burundian rebels in Congo. Rwanda denies backing the rebels, claiming it is acting in self-defense against militias hostile to Kigali.
Both countries have recently held several meetings, agreeing that the Rwandan army and M23 should not occupy the Congolese territory of Uvira, near Burundi’s commercial capital, Bujumbura.
