Meanwhile, Rwanda maintains that diplomatic efforts have been underway to restore relations between the two nations.
In a recent interview with BBC, President Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda was supporting the rebel group RED Tabara, which operates in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
'We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the DRC using RED Tabara. But let me tell them, if they want to reach Bujumbura through Congo, we can also reach Kigali through Kirundo,' he stated.
This is not the first time the Burundian leader has made such accusations. While addressing a congregation at Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, he criticized Rwanda's influence in the region.
'The idea that they can invade Burundi is madness. I hear people say, 'Rwanda's army is strong.' But do they know the kind of army I have? We have both visible and invisible forces that protect Burundi,' he said.
Despite these remarks, reports indicate that Burundian forces are actively working alongside the DRC government and the FDLR, a militia group with a history of targeting Congolese Tutsis.
Rwanda has consistently denounced the FDLR as a terrorist organization, given its stated aim of toppling the Rwandan government and its continued genocidal ideology.
Though Burundi has aligned itself with the FDLR, recent diplomatic discussions have been reported between Kigali and Bujumbura, aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
President Paul Kagame recently expressed optimism about restoring relations, suggesting that dialogue remains the best path forward.
Burundians and Rwandans are one people
According to legal expert and researcher Gatete Ruhumuliza, Rwanda and Burundi share deep historical and cultural ties. He argues that Burundi originated from Rwanda. 'Those of us who know history have a responsibility to educate our brothers. Burundians are our relatives. Burundi's monarchy was founded by Ntare Rushatsi, the son of a Rwandan king.'
He further emphasized that past conflicts between the two nations have always ended in disaster. 'They are our brothers. We cannot fight them. In past wars, no side emerged victorious, only tragedy followed.'
He cited a historical battle in Kirundo, where both Rwandans and Burundians suffered heavy casualties, remarking, 'It was a war where no one won. It was like brothers fighting each other.'
Ultimately, Gatete advocates for peace, stating, 'We are one people. It is our responsibility to remind others of our shared history. In the end, we must coexist peacefully.'
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/unpacking-the-alleged-conflict-between-burundi-and-rwanda
