Catholic leaders have called on Christians in Rwanda and Burundi not to lose hope despite the continued closure of borders between the two neighboring countries, emphasizing faith, unity and perseverance during challenging times.
The appeal was made by Joachim Ntahondereye, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Muyinga and President of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He was speaking on March 11, 2026, at the closing of the ordinary meeting of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi, which concluded with a Mass celebrated at Saint Michel Cathedral in Kigali.
The meeting brought together eight bishops from all dioceses in Burundi and nine bishops from Rwanda. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the churches of the two countries and promoting peace education among young people as a way to counter conflicts and divisions affecting the region.
Bishop Ntahondereye encouraged Christians in both countries not to be discouraged by the current situation, expressing hope that the challenges surrounding the border closure will eventually be resolved.
He noted that the two nations have historically shared close social and spiritual ties, and urged believers to remain committed to unity and solidarity.
“Burundians and Rwandans knew each other even before the spread of Christianity. We visited each other, we were friends and brothers. Today we are gathered here because of Jesus Christ, who continues to unite us despite the difficulties we face,” he said.
He added that faith continues to strengthen the bond between Christians in the two countries, allowing church leaders to maintain dialogue and cooperation even when travel and movement have become difficult.
“We are here because of Jesus Christ. He gives us the courage, even at a time when our countries’ borders are closed, to continue meeting and strengthening unity with bishops, priests, religious communities and all Christians,” he said.
The Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, who presided over the closing Mass, said the gathering of bishops from Rwanda and Burundi remains a powerful sign of unity and brotherhood.
He stressed that the meeting reflects the values of love and solidarity promoted by the Gospel, especially at a time when movement between the two countries has become more complicated due to the border closure.
“Particularly at this moment when our borders are closed and travel has become difficult, they made every effort to ensure we could meet, exchange ideas and continue our mission of spreading the message of love, fraternity and peace,” he said.
Bishops from Rwanda and Burundi had gathered in Kigali since March 9, 2026, for the ordinary meeting of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi.
The previous meeting was held at Centre Saint Joseph in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kibungo from March 30 to April 1, 2025.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have been strained since 2015. Rwanda has accused Burundi of allowing groups hostile to its security to operate from its territory, while Burundi has accused Rwanda of backing political unrest that has affected the country since the same year.
