He made the remarks during an interview with France 24, which focused on security concerns in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ndayishimiye acknowledged recent diplomatic efforts and peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRCâ€"brokered with the support of the United States and Qatarâ€"stating that although the root issues are now better understood and there is renewed hope for peace, the situation remains delicate.
He emphasized that signs still suggest Rwanda harbors intentions to destabilize Burundi, even as Kigali continues to deny the accusations.
'We have information and evidence. It is based on the fact that Rwanda continues to host the individuals behind the 2015 coup attempt,' Ndayishimiye said.
He further alleged that Rwanda could use these individuals in the same way it allegedly backed the M23 rebel group in the DRC, presenting them as Burundians while covertly supporting them.
'We know that Rwanda could use them, claiming they are Burundians, when in reality, it would be Rwanda behind them,' he added. 'As long as these individuals are not handed over to Burundian justice, we remain concerned.'
Despite these concerns, Ndayishimiye said the ongoing war in eastern DRC could limit Rwanda's ability to launch a direct attack on Burundi.
He also accused Rwanda of supporting the armed rebel group RED Tabara, which has been linked to multiple terrorist incidents in Burundi. According to Ndayishimiye, this alleged support is one reason why his country remains on high alert.
The Burundian president noted that he has not spoken with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in some time. Their last conversation, he said, took place during regional peace talks on the DRC, during which Kagame reportedly assured him that the individuals involved in the 2015 coup would be brought to justice.
In February 2025, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, told IGIHE that it is, in fact, Burundi that poses a threat to Rwandaâ€"claiming that Burundian actions have already escalated beyond rhetoric.
He added that Burundi has aligned itself with the DRC in efforts to undermine Rwanda's government and has aligned with armed groups, including the FDLRâ€"a group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsiâ€"and the Wazalendo militia.
Despite rising tensions, officials from both countries have recently held talks aimed at easing hostilities and restoring bilateral relations.
In March, Nduhungirehe noted that Rwanda and Burundi were on a constructive path toward de-escalation and mutual understanding, as dialogue between their governments continued.
Why Rwanda has not extradited the 2015 coup suspects
The individuals at the center of the dispute are accused of participating in the 2015 coup attempt that sought to overthrow former Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Rwanda has consistently stated that it cannot extradite them, citing international refugee law. Under agreements signed with the United Nations, any country that grants asylum to an individual claiming to flee persecution is not allowed to forcibly return themâ€"particularly if the UN has formally granted them refugee status.
Rwandan authorities argue that returning these individuals would violate international obligations and set a precedent that no responsible state should follow.
Burundi, for its part, has previously submitted a list of the individuals it wants extradited, insisting that their handover is crucial to restoring normal diplomatic ties between the two nations.
While Rwanda maintains that legal repatriation is not possible, it has suggested exploring third-country resettlement options for the individuals in question.
IGIHE
