Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has come under heavy criticism on social media and among the public after once again accusing Rwanda of destabilizing the region during a visit to Uganda.
Note: Company, Blog, Church websites are free.
He made the remarks in Entebbe while attending the 12th meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism on peace, security, and cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently being held in Uganda.
In his speech, Ndayishimiye thanked international organizations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, for condemning the M23 attacks, which he claimed are supported by Rwandan forces in parts of North and South Kivu.
He said: “I thank the international community, especially the UN Security Council, for Resolution 2773 condemning the M23 attacks supported by Rwandan forces and the capture of the cities of Goma and Bukavu.”
He went on to say that other African forums have also shown that the actions of M23 and Rwandan troops are targeting civilians, and he called for a swift resolution to the conflict in eastern Congo.
Ndayishimiye added: “The war in eastern DRC has escalated significantly, and if no serious action is taken, it could spread to other parts of Congo and neighboring countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Ndayishimiye said the consequences of the ongoing war are increasingly burdening the region, including a rise in the number of refugees, the flow of weapons, and an increase in violence that could endanger neighboring countries.
This is the second time in recent days that President Ndayishimiye has openly criticized Rwanda, following earlier remarks in which he said he would be ready to go to war if forced to.
His statements have sparked heated debate, with many accusing him of further straining relations between neighboring countries and making unfounded claims, while the real issue in eastern Congo continues to be used as a political tool by some leaders in the region.
