Rwanda and Burundi locked horns again on Monday, with Kigali accusing Bujumbura’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye of inciting divisions among Rwandans and jeopardizing regional peace.
The accusation stems from remarks Ndayishimiye reportedly made while addressing youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the weekend. In his role as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, Ndayishimiye allegedly urged young Rwandans to “start putting pressure” on their leaders, claiming they “cannot accept being prisoners in the region.”
Rwanda’s government spokesperson responded swiftly, denouncing the statements as “inflammatory and un-African.” A statement released on Monday condemned Ndayishimiye’s alleged attempt to “incite divisions among Rwandans and jeopardize peace and security in the Great Lakes region.”
Rwanda emphasized its own efforts to foster unity and development, highlighting the active role young Rwandans play in building a brighter future. The statement further condemned Ndayishimiye’s actions as “troubling” and a “flagrant violation of the African Union Charter,” especially considering his position as a regional leader.
Social media in Rwanda saw a surge of anger directed at Ndayishimiye’s remarks, reflecting the public’s disapproval.
However, Burundi’s ambassador to the African Union, Willy Nyamitwe, dismissed the reports, claiming they misrepresented Ndayishimiye’s actual message.
This incident adds fuel to the already tense relationship between the two countries. Earlier this month, Burundi closed its border with Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of harboring Burundian rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda vehemently denies these accusations.
Despite the escalating tensions, Rwanda reiterated its commitment to regional stability and cooperation. “We will continue to work with partners in the region and beyond to foster stability and continued development,” the government statement affirmed.
Whether Ndayishimiye’s words were misinterpreted or deliberately inflammatory remains unclear. However, the incident underlines the fragile nature of peace in the Great Lakes region and the potential for seemingly innocuous remarks to ignite further conflict.
