BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye used his New Year address to deliver a pointed message on relations with neighbouring Rwanda, accusing Kigali of harbouring armed groups responsible for attacks inside Burundi and warning that continued instability in the region poses a direct threat to his country.
While welcoming what he described as good relations with other members of the East African Community (EAC), Ndayishimiye singled out Rwanda as an exception, saying there is no indication from its leaders that they seek peaceful coexistence with Burundi.
“The country that keeps attacking the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the same country we have issues with, because it shelters armed groups that kill Burundians,” Ndayishimiye said. He added that Burundi remains open to dialogue but said Kigali has not clearly communicated any accusations that would justify tensions between the two countries.
The president called on regional and international actors with influence over Rwanda to press its leaders to cooperate with Burundi by handing over individuals accused of carrying out cross-border attacks. He said Burundi has previously extradited suspects wanted by Rwanda and expects similar cooperation in return.
“If they do so, that’s when we will know they have good will toward Burundi,” he said.
Longstanding Diplomatic Strain
Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have been strained for years, marked by mutual accusations of supporting rebel movements and undermining each other’s security. The two neighbors share a long and sensitive border, and diplomatic ties deteriorated further after Burundi closed its land border with Rwanda since 2016, citing security concerns.
Rwanda has consistently denied claims that it harbours armed groups targeting Burundi, arguing that such accusations are politically motivated. Efforts by regional mediators, including within the EAC framework, have so far failed to fully restore trust or reopen the border.
Burundi’s concerns have intensified alongside renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where regional dynamics have deepened suspicions between the two governments.
Spillover Fears From Eastern Congo
Ndayishimiye warned that instability in eastern Congo could eventually spread beyond the DRC’s borders, increasing risks for Burundi. Burundian troops are deployed in eastern Congo in support of the Congolese army, a move officials say is aimed at preventing armed groups from approaching Burundi’s territory.
“There is no guarantee that after the DRC, Burundi would not be next,” the president said, reflecting fears shared by security officials in Bujumbura.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Ndayishimiye emphasized that Burundi does not seek confrontation and prefers diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes with Rwanda. However, he suggested patience is wearing thin in the absence of concrete steps from Kigali.
Regional Stability at Stake
Analysts say the New Year address underscores Burundi’s attempt to rally regional and international attention to what it views as unresolved security threats emanating from Rwanda, while maintaining its commitment to broader EAC cooperation.
The speech comes as the Great Lakes region continues to grapple with overlapping conflicts, fragile diplomacy and growing humanitarian pressures, making normalisation between Burundi and Rwanda a key factor in wider regional stability.
