In a recent interview with the BBC, President Ndayishimiye claimed he had credible information indicating that Rwanda plans to invade Bujumbura using RED Tabara, which he says is based in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
"We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the Democratic Republic of Congo, using RED Tabara. But we are telling them that if they want to attack Bujumbura via Congo, Kigali is also not far if we go through Kirundo.'
Ndayishimiye began accusing Rwanda of backing RED Tabara in December 2023, following the group's attack on the Gatumba area near Bujumbura. Rwanda denied the accusations, stating it does not support any group opposing the Burundian government.
On March 26, 2025, RED Tabara's military spokesperson, Patrick Nahimana, released a statement dismissing Ndayishimiye's claims as baseless. He emphasized that the group is solely supported by Burundians.
'RED Tabara strongly denies being supported by Rwanda or any other entity. Our struggle is solely backed by Burundians who understand that our existence is rooted in the need to restore the rule of law and the Arusha Peace Agreement, which the CNDD-FDD-led government has violatedâ€"leading to Burundi's political crisis since 2015,' Nahimana said.
The group pointed out that Rwanda previously handed over captured RED Tabara fighters to Burundi in July 2021. These individuals were arrested in Nyungwe Forest in September 2020 after crossing from Kibira Forest.
RED Tabara argued that it is illogical to accuse Rwanda of supporting them while it is actively participating in peace talks with Burundi aimed at restoring diplomatic ties strained since the 2023 Gatumba incident.
'How could Rwanda be supporting RED Tabara while it is simultaneously in dialogue with Burundi to resolve their differences?' the group questioned.
They further accused President Ndayishimiye of using Rwanda as a scapegoat to deflect attention from Burundi's worsening economic conditions.
The group invited international observers to visit their bases and investigate any claims of external support, urging transparency.
Meanwhile, President Ndayishimiye has firmly stated that his government will not negotiate with RED Tabara, insisting that the group's fighters must be brought to justice.
In response, RED Tabara called on international organizations that supported the Arusha Peace Agreement to pressure the Burundian government into engaging in dialogue with political and armed opposition groups.
They argued that, had such pressure been applied earlier, the ongoing conflict might have been resolved.
IGIHE
