Ministers in charge of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda and Burundi are expected to meet soon to further discuss issues concerning bilateral diplomatic relations but they say there is no need for a mediator. Both Governments are determined to resolve their disputes amicably.
A recently concluded retreat which brought together Ministers from eight East African Community (EAC) member states adopted a resolution to have this meeting but representatives from both countries say an agreement was reached even before the retreat occurred.
In an interview with IGIHE, Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe explained that before the retreat began, his team had met with Burundi counterpart Albert Shingiro and agreed that both Governments would discuss and resolve the issue themselves.
"We didn't even extensively discuss the issue between Rwanda and Burundi at the meeting because before it started, we spoke with Minister Albert Shingiro, and agreed that our countries would discuss our issues directly, without needing a mediator, as both countries share the same language and culture. We agreed to meet soon to resolve these issues," he said.
According to Nduhungirehe, the meeting prior to the retreat was held on July 6, 2024, and it was also attended by Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe.
Minister Nduhungirehe explained that the decision for representatives of the two countries to meet was communicated to the other ministers attending the retreat, who then agreed it would take place before October 31, 2024, as announced by the office of the EAC Secretary-General.
The principle of representatives from conflicting countries meeting is one of the EAC's foundational practices. Member countries have agreed that if there is a dispute, they will sit down and peacefully discuss ways to resolve it.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in December 2023, when RED Tabara, an armed group operating in Burundi launched attacks in the Gatumba zone, located in Bujumbura Rural Province.
Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, told the press that Rwanda was suspected to be behind the actions of the armed group and that its leaders were based in Kigali.
The Rwandan government vehemently denied these accusations, clarifying that it does not collaborate with any group opposing the government of its neighbouring country.
In January 2024, the Burundian government closed all land borders with Rwanda, stating that they would reopen them once those who attempted to overthrow former president Pierre Nkurunziza's government in 2015 were sent to Bujumbura.
In February 2024, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the Chairperson of the EAC, visited Rwanda and Burundi to try and mediate between both sides, aiming to find an amicable solution to the conflict.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/rwanda-and-burundi-don-t-need-a-mediator-nduhungire
