Highlights: Relations worsen between Rwanda and Burundi in a tense regional context. The situation took a more serious turn following the statements made in Kinshasa by Evariste Ndayishimiye last Sunday, reiterating his accusations. This escalation of tensions contributes to aggravating the crisis in the region, already marked by the M23 conflict. It remains to be seen how the East African Community will manage this rise in tension in the area.. President Paul Kagame gave a long speech this Tuesday during the annual national dialogue that sounded like a warning.

The situation took a more serious turn following the statements made in Kinshasa by Evariste Ndayishimiye last Sunday, reiterating his accusations. This escalation of tensions contributes to worsening…

Relations worsen between Rwanda and Burundi in a tense regional context

The situation took a more serious turn following the statements made in Kinshasa by Evariste Ndayishimiye last Sunday, reiterating his accusations.

This escalation of tensions contributes to aggravating the crisis in the region, already marked by the M23 conflict.

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye in June 2020. AFP - TCHANDROU NITANGA

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

Patient Ligodi

Tensions are escalating between Kigali and Gitega, while the Burundian authorities have decided to close their borders, accusing their Rwandan counterparts of sheltering the headquarters of the Burundian Red-Tabara rebels.

These allegations are categorically rejected by the Rwandan government.

In front of the representatives of Congolese youth, Evariste Ndayishimiye did not mince his words.

He again accused Kigali of refusing to collaborate regarding the Red-Tabara rebels and described his Rwandan counterpart as a “

hypocrite

” and a “

liar

”.

“

If someone lies to you the first time and a second time, it’s their fault, but if they lie to you the third time, the fault is yours

,” he said.

Furthermore, he called for greater momentum: “

our struggle must continue until the Rwandan people also begin to put pressure on themselves.
I know that young Rwandans cannot accept being prisoners in the region.

» He was talking about a project to organize an exchange framework for young people that he was preparing to organize.

This statement aroused the irritation of Kigali, which sees it as an implicit call from young people for the overthrow of the Rwandan government.

This escalation comes in an already tense context in the region.

After Washington's attempt at mediation, Kinshasa and Kigali are still glaring at each other.

Due to the deterioration of relations between Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi, the M23 rebellion remains active.

Meanwhile, Burundi and the DRC signed a defense agreement, further strengthening their ties.

It remains to be seen how the East African Community will manage this rise in tension in the region.

Rwandan response

For his part, in Kigali, President Paul Kagame gave a long speech this Tuesday during the annual national dialogue that sounded like a warning.

In a cold diplomatic climate in the Great Lakes region, the head of state reaffirmed his commitment to the security of his country, reports our correspondent in the Rwandan capital,

Lucie Mouillaud

Rwanda is a safe country and will remain so, asserts Paul Kagame in a defensive speech: “

When it comes to defending this country which has suffered for so long without anyone to help it, I do not need the permission of no one to do what is necessary to protect us.

» He continues: “

I did not respond to the insults coming from the south, from the west.
These don't kill.
So I can't (answer), it's not our style.
But they will learn over time.
They will learn that they made a big mistake.

In a press release, Kigali deplored this Monday the comments of Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, intended according to Rwanda to “

incite Rwandans to division

”.

In response, Burundian authorities on Tuesday refuted these allegations, accusing the Rwandan government of harboring the perpetrators of the 2015 coup attempt.

Relations worsen between Rwanda and Burundi in a tense regional context

Relations worsen between Rwanda and Burundi in a tense regional context

Rwandan response

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