Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of hostile intentions and warned of potential military action. Speaking near the Rwandan border, he urged citizens to remain vigilant and prepare for possible attacks, calling Rwanda a “bad neighbor.” He declared, “If they attack us, we will retaliate,” emphasizing Burundi’s readiness to defend itself.
Ndayishimiye also accused Rwanda of training and arming Burundian refugees to destabilize both Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He warned that without international intervention, the situation could escalate into a regional conflict.
In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame acknowledged ongoing efforts to mend relations between the two nations. He expressed optimism about reconciliation, stating that both countries are working towards restoring ties after a period of tension.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high, with security concerns on both sides. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
He also claimed that Rwanda cannot have peace unless it stops provoking others, pointing out that Rwanda has had conflicts with other neighboring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
These accusations by the Burundian president come after a series of similar statements he has made about Rwanda in recent months.
Since January 2025, he has repeatedly made these allegations in various contexts, including meetings with diplomats representing different countries in Burundi.
In February, while visiting Kirundo province, Ndayishimiye reiterated that he was preparing for a war with Rwanda and urged his citizens to be ready to fight.
He said, “You must be prepared, do not be afraid. We know them well. In Bugesera, you know them since the time of the monarchy, they have never defeated us, so how can they defeat us now?”
Recently, while attending prayers at the Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, he continued to assert that Burundi has stronger military forces than Rwanda. He even made religious references, suggesting that even bees (amavubi in Kinyarwanda, which also refers to the Rwandan national football team) could serve as his weapon in the event of war.
The Rwandan government, through its spokesperson, responded by saying that President Ndayishimiye’s statements are surprising, as he continues to provoke Rwanda despite ongoing security discussions between military officials from both countries
President Paul Kagame also reinforced this position, stating that Rwanda remains committed to working with Burundi to restore diplomatic relations.
As suspicions between the two countries persist, questions arise about what will happen next, especially considering the ongoing efforts to organize security talks aimed at resolving their disputes.
