…Burundi keeps borders with Rwanda closed as tensions persist
Silence Charumbira
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Rwandan government has condemned the remarks by the president of neighbouring Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, lobbying the citizens of the neighbouring country to oust his counterpart, Paul Kagame, as tensions between the two countries persist.
Ndayishimiye made the statement during a youth conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on 21 January 2024 after attending the inauguration of president Felix Tshisekedi for his second term.
Border closure climax of tensions
The statements come in the aftermath of a tense period climaxed by Burundi’s unilateral closure of its borders with Bujumbura alleging that Kigali was supporting Burundi’s antagonists, the Red Tabara rebels, who operate from the DRC.
And on Sunday, Ndayishimiye, who is also the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, said saying the region must continue to fight until the Rwandan people put pressure on themselves.
In response to the statement, the Rwandan government labelled the statements “inflammatory” and “un-African”.
Rwanda says Burundi is stocking up tensions
“The government of Rwanda deplores the inflammatory and un-African statements made by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye during an event in Kinshasa on 21 January 2024,” said the statement.
“President Ndayishimiye, acting in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, in an event advertised under the banner of the continental organisation, made several baseless and incendiary allegations aimed at inciting division among Rwandans, and further jeopardising peace and security in the Great Lakes Region.”
Rwandans have worked diligently to strengthen unity and foster the country’s development. Young Rwandans have embraced this opportunity, are taking ownership and actively contributing to building a brighter future for themselves, the statement said.
“For anyone to try and undermine this progress by calling on young Rwandans to overthrow their government is troubling. But for a leader of a neighbouring country to do so, from an African Union platform, is deeply irresponsible and a flagrant violation of the African Union Charter.
Rwanda has no interest in tensions
“Rwanda has no interest in creating conflict with our neighbours. We will continue to work with partners in the region and beyond to foster stability and continued development.”
Tensions have been simmering between the two neighbours for some time but the closure of the borders seems to have been the climax of the tiff. That Bujumbura instituted the closure without engaging its neighbours is an even worse indication of the flagrant antagonism.
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“The Government of Rwanda has learned through media reports of the unilateral decision by the Government of Burundi to again close its borders with Rwanda. This unfortunate decision will restrict the free movement of people and goods between the two countries and violates the principles of regional cooperation and integration of the East African Community,” the Rwandan government said after the border closure.
Kagame encourages Rwandans to step up beyond challenges, tensions
But Kagame this week admonished his people to step up to challenges.
“As Rwandans, we cannot be complacent. We have unique challenges. We are a small country, with a modest economy. But there are no small people, unless they want and accept to be small. In the last 30 years, Rwandans have proven that a country and a people can rise from the ashes of a genocide.
“That is why, as Rwandans, we cannot do business as usual, we cannot afford to feel comfortable about anything. We don’t have that luxury. Where others work for two hours and go to sleep, we have to work for 10 more hours; where others can afford to walk, we have to run to catch up. That is how Rwanda is and we need to act accordingly. We need to do the right thing to reach our shared vision for a bright future,” Kagame said.
