Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said that the current strained relations between Rwanda and Burundi are not the result of Rwanda’s actions, but stem from decisions and statements made by Burundi’s leadership.
Speaking in an interview with B&B Kigali FM, Nduhungirehe said President Évariste Ndayishimiye is the main obstacle to restoring normal relations between the two neighbouring countries.
He said Rwanda has consistently sought to maintain good relations with Burundi, but that these efforts have been undermined by repeated hostile statements from the Burundian leadership, which he said have at times included remarks interpreted as encouraging efforts to destabilise Rwanda.
The minister cited a January 2024 incident in which President Ndayishimiye, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo in an official capacity, allegedly expressed support for Rwandan youth seeking to overthrow the current government.
Nduhungirehe also accused Burundi of cooperating with armed groups hostile to Rwanda, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed in part of individuals linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said that despite previous diplomatic engagements and regional mediation efforts, including meetings facilitated by international partners, progress has repeatedly been undermined by what he described as inflammatory statements from the Burundian side.
According to him, even after security-level contacts and understandings reached between the two countries, commitments were later reversed, further derailing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The minister further claimed that Burundian forces remain deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are cooperating with the FDLR in activities he said are aimed at destabilising Rwanda.
Despite the tensions, Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s willingness to restore normal relations and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between the two East African Community member states.
He said Rwanda remains open to dialogue, but insisted that progress depends on reciprocal political will.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have remained strained since early 2024, when Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting the armed group RED-Tabara—allegations Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
