Burundi’s president says Rwanda failing to restore bilateral ties

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of failing to implement agreements meant to restore ties between the two countries.

In an interview with the BBC, he said Rwanda has not acted on commitments made during past negotiations, leaving the relationship stalled.

Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have been tense for nearly a decade. Burundi alleges Rwanda supports the rebel group RED-Tabara, while Rwanda accuses Burundi of collaborating with the FDLR to launch attacks. Despite multiple rounds of talks, Ndayishimiye claimed no progress has been achieved.

He emphasized that ordinary citizens of both countries coexist peacefully, with the dispute lying at the leadership level. “Rwandans and Burundians have no problem with each other. It is an issue between governments,” he said.

Ndayishimiye added that Burundi expects Rwanda to hand over individuals accused of involvement in attempts to overthrow his government. He warned that if Rwanda seeks peace, Burundi will accept it, but if Rwanda seeks war, Burundi will also respond accordingly.

The tension escalated after the RED-Tabara attack in Gatumba in October 2023, which killed 20 Burundians. Burundi accused Rwanda of backing the group. In January 2024, Burundi closed all its borders with Rwanda, further deepening the rift.

Still, there have been limited efforts to ease tensions. On March 10, 2026, intelligence officials from both countries met in Kirundo to discuss security concerns, including the possibility of reopening borders.