In recent days, President Ndayishimiye has made statements with warlike rhetoric, indicating that his country is prepared to attack Rwanda and confident of victory.
On February 11, 2025, during a visit to residents of Bugabira Commune in Kirundo Province, near the Rwandan border, Ndayishimiye said Burundians were ready to confront Rwandans.
He said, "Be prepared, do not be afraid. We know them well. In Bugesera, you know them. Since the era of the monarchy, they have never defeated us. Do you think they can now? Remind them, 'Do you know where it all started in Kirundo?'"
On Sunday, February 16, President Ndayishimiye posted on X claiming he had intelligence suggesting Rwanda was planning an attack on him.
"After discussions with countries friendly to Rwanda, those who were expecting to benefit from a Rwandan attack on Burundi should abandon their hopes. But Burundians, stay alert because no one knows the day of a thief," he wrote.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, responded by saying that the Burundian president had gone beyond just making threats against Rwanda and had begun plotting for action.
"It is Burundians who sent soldiers to fight, to support the Congolese army, and to battle M23 while also targeting Rwanda. Their rhetoric about attacking Rwanda is not surprising," he stated.
Speaking from Addis Ababa, where he is attending the African Union summit, Nduhungirehe said that security discussions on Saturday reaffirmed the resolutions of SADC and EAC meetings, emphasizing the urgent need for negotiations between M23 and the Congolese government and the immediate cessation of hostilities.
Burundi has strengthened its alliance with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), committing to removing Rwanda's influence. They have also reportedly enlisted armed groups, including FDLR and Wazalendo, to support their agenda.
IGIHE
