Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted Burundi's role in the ongoing war in Eastern DRC during an interview with journalist Scovia Mutesi.
Burundians were part of the East African Community Regional Force deployed to DRC late 2022.
DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi later decided to expel these troops, accusing them of failing to attack the M23 rebel group but some of Burundi's troops remained, agreeing to fight alongside the DRC army.
Since then, the number of Burundian troops in DRC has increased, and have been seen fighting alongside the Congolese army forces allied with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Wazalendo groups.
Minister Nduhungirehe stated that to date, Burundian forces have been involved in ongoing violence targeting Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
'As we know, Burundian troops in Eastern DRC are collaborating with the Congolese government in the ongoing war, which includes ongoing targeting of Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi communities,' he noted.
He further expressed concern over Burundi's actions, likening them to adding fuel to a fire.
'These actions are concerning, and the Burundian government should understand that it must not add fuel to the fire. If it seeks peace in the region, it must stop this war against the Congolese people. The Burundian government needs to understand this and contribute to regional peace efforts,' said Minister Nduhungirehe.
He also condemned Burundi's decision to use Bujumbura airport for the conflict, as a hub for transporting weapons and launching drone strikes aimed at Congolese civilians.
At different times, Burundi has accused Rwanda of harboring ill intentions towards it, even suggesting that Rwanda plans to attack. Nduhungirehe dismissed these claims as baseless.
'They've made these claims, and as you know, they are untrue. They have been repeating this. Rwanda has no plans to attack Burundi,' he stated.
In January 2024, the Burundian government closed all land borders with Rwanda.
This followed remarks made by President Ndayishimiye in his end-of-year speech for 2023, in which he hinted at closing the borders with Rwanda after accusing it of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group fighting his government.
The relationship between Rwanda and Burundi further deteriorated when Burundi's troops began working with the FDLR terrorist group in Eastern DRC.
At that time, it was also reported that senior FDLR leaders would hold meetings in Burundi.
IGIHE
