Continued antagonism of Rwanda by Burundi, DRC does not help peace
Silence Charumbira
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Great Lakes Region has historically been marred by conflicts and tensions among neighboring countries, most notably between Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But Rwanda’s emergence as a resilient economy, despite the tragic history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, has been a story of remarkable progress and transformation. This progress, achieved under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, serves as a model for other emerging economies.
Peace and tranquility must prevail in the Great Lakes
It is crucial for peace to prevail in this region, not only for the wellbeing of its people but also for the economic prosperity of these interconnected nations. The tensions between Rwanda on one side and Burundi and the DRC on the other have led to strained diplomatic relations and, at times, conflict. Burundi’s closure of borders with Rwanda reflects historical disputes that have hindered the potential for peaceful cooperation and economic growth in the region. And that the borders remain closed even now is a cause for concern and an indictment on regional leaders who have failed to treat this matter with the urgency that it deserves.
In recent years, Rwanda has demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming the legacy of the genocide against the Tutsis. The leadership of President Kagame has been instrumental in driving Rwanda’s economic growth, implementation of progressive policies, and commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation. Rather than being antagonised, Rwanda’s success should be emulated and supported by its neighbours.
Peaceful cooperation is an imperative in the modern age, as it paves the way for social development, economic growth, and regional stability. The conflicts and historical grievances between these countries should belong to the past, and efforts should be made to build trust, promote dialogue, and work towards common goals.
Bujumbura, Kinshasa must employ different tactics to resolve differences to preserve peace and foster collective development of the region
It is unfathomable that presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Évariste Ndayishimiye have not seen value in attempting to dialogue with President Kagame and have instead accused his government of backing the M23 rebels who have in recent days “surrounded the strategic town of Sake” which is a strategic move in their charge towards reaching Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Reports say seizing Sake would deal a logistical blow to Congolese soldiers.
Rwanda has consistently denied the accusations that it was backing the rebels. The more sensible move would be for Kinshasa to seek assistance from Kigali. That way, possibly, the Great Lakes Region may enjoy some peace, which by all intents and purposes must be a priority.
The example set by Rwanda, its leadership, and its people’s resilience should inspire neighboring nations to embrace dialogue, reconciliation, and collaboration for the collective prosperity and stability of the region. By working together, these countries can overcome historical grievances and build a future marked by peace, prosperity, and shared success.
A collective future is built in peace
Among many things that he is known for, retired CEO of Deloitte LLP Joe Echevarria is known for his famous quote on unity which reads; “The best way to predict the future is to create it together”. There is more for Burundi and DRC to lose when Rwanda is in chaos. There is proof everywhere that every country should cherish and even foster stability in the affairs of its neighbour.
History is laden with examples, particularly in southern Africa, where each country systematically won its respective independence after the concerted efforts of its neighbours. Where one country remained colonised, the peers fought tooth and nail to win their neighbour’s independence. That is a principle that should never change among any collective. There is always power in numbers. But instead, what we have seen unfolding in the Great Lakes region is an equivalent of the proverbial act of one cutting off their nose to spite their own face.
A shared past of conflict should be a reason to build peace
More than the differences between Rwanda and Burundi, they share several similarities. Both countries have the same colonial legacy of being colonised by Belgium, and as a result, they share similarities in terms of colonial administration, language, and certain cultural influences. They are both landlocked and are in close proximity with largely similar landscapes, including hilly terrains.
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After their respective independence, both countries faced similar challenges related to governance, ethnic tensions, and socioeconomic development, which have significantly impacted their trajectories.
It therefore is difficult to comprehend that countries with so many similarities and are in such a close proximity are not working towards a shared future. Instead, Burundi has seen it fit to close borders and if it was a practical choice, would probably rather relocate to another region, far from Rwanda.
A repeat of the 2015 antagonism derails economic benefits that come with peace
This is not the first time that the borders between Rwanda and Burundi have been closed. The last time they were closed was between 2015 and 2022. That the borders have been closed again since last month is a staggering failure of leadership because no one wins. Among other things, the two countries depend on each other economically.
Below are some of the reasons why Burundi must reopen its borders with Rwanda:
• Economic Interdependence: Burundi and Rwanda share strong economic ties, and the closure of borders has disrupted trade and commerce, affecting the livelihoods of people on both sides. Reopening borders would allow for the resumption of cross-border trade, which is crucial for the economic well-being of both countries.
• Regional Stability: The closure of borders has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and has contributed to regional tensions. Reopening borders would signal a commitment to peaceful cooperation and foster regional stability, which is essential for the prosperity and security of the Great Lakes Region.
• People-to-People Connections: Many families and communities are divided by the closed borders, hindering social and cultural exchanges. Reopening the borders would allow people to reunite, promote cross-border cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people connections.
• Humanitarian Considerations: The closure of borders has also impacted humanitarian efforts, including the delivery of aid and support to vulnerable populations on both sides. Reopening borders would facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance and support collaborative efforts to address common challenges.
• Symbol of Reconciliation: Reopening the borders could serve as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and a commitment to overcoming historical grievances. It would demonstrate a willingness to move beyond past disputes and work towards a shared future of cooperation and mutual respect.
In summary, reopening the borders between Burundi and Rwanda is crucial for economic, social, and political reasons, and it has the potential to contribute to regional stability, economic growth, and people-to-people connections. By extension, it is important for the antagonism between the three countries to end so that there is lasting peace in the greater Great Lakes region, which includes seven other countries.
Silence Charumbira is the managing editor of Africa News 24. He is an experienced journalist who has worked as the deputy editor of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers in Maseru. He has worked with multiple international organisations including CNN and The Guardian.
