In a post on X, which has since been deleted, Minister Bizimana alleged that Qatar was using its influence and financial resources to dissuade the United States from taking action against Rwanda, which he accused of violating a Washington-brokered agreement.
'It is important to stress Qatar's negative role using its influence and cash to dissuade US from taking action,' Bizimana wrote on Sunday.
The post sparked immediate backlash, prompting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye to intervene.
In a statement on X, President Ndayishimiye emphasised Burundi's appreciation for Qatar's longstanding bilateral relations and mediation role in the DRC.
'It is important to clarify any misunderstanding & wrong statement regarding Qatar's contribution in development and peacebuilding,' he wrote.
Responding to the clarification, Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, acknowledged President Ndayishimiye's retraction and reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to regional peace and stability.
'Guided by its principled approach, the State of Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to peacebuilding, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and will continue to engage constructively with all partners in support of stability and lasting peace,' Al-Khulaifi said in a post on X.
In recent days, Burundi and the DRC have heightened their accusations that Rwanda is supporting the AFC/M23 rebel alliance in eastern DRC and have called on the international community to impose sanctions on Kigali. Rwanda has rejected the allegations, insisting that sanctions cannot resolve the problems affecting the Congolese people, for whom the conflict is primarily a local issue.
Analysts note that Minister Bizimana's deleted remarks targeting Qatar reflect internal political pressures and the stance of the government he represents, even as President Ndayishimiye sought to calm the situation and repair the diplomatic fallout.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
