- Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border.
- The diplomatic row between Burundi and Rwanda has a complex history, with tensions dating back to the colonial era and continuing into the post-independence period.
- The border closure further strains relations between Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the larger East African Community (EAC).
Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border, and “chasing” out Rwandese nationals.
Burundi has accused its neighbour of supporting rebel attacks in the region. The move comes after Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing the Red Tabara rebel group, which orchestrated an attack near Burundi’s western border, where 20 people lost their lives, including women and children.
“We have closed our borders (with Rwanda), anyone who tries to go there will not get through. The decision has been made,” Burundi’s Interior Minister Martin Niteretse told reporters on Thursday.
“After having noted that we had a bad neighbour, we stopped all relations with him until he returns to better feelings,” the minister added. He said Rwanda “shelters criminals who harm Burundians”. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have often been tempestuous.
The Rwandan government has refuted these claims, calling Burundi’s decision to close the border unfortunate.
“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,” Yolande Makolo said.
Burundi and Rwanda nelong to the East African Community (EAC), a bloc which, within a few years, is looking to become the East African Federation. The bloc currently includes Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia.
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Background of the complex Burundi and Rwanda relations
- Colonial era: Rwanda and Burundi were colonized by Germany, with Rwanda and Burundi (then known as Ruanda-Urundi) being administered as separate colonies. After World War I, Belgium took control of the region, and the two countries maintained their separate identities.
- Post-independence relations: After gaining independence in 1962, Rwanda and Burundi established diplomatic relations. However, relations have been marked by periods of tension and mistrust.
- Coup attempt in Burundi (2015): The diplomatic row between the two East African countries escalated in 2015 when Burundi accused Rwanda of supporting a coup attempt after a group of Burundian soldiers crossed into Rwanda. Burundi closed its border with Rwanda and expelled Rwandan diplomats in response.
- Burundi’s involvement in the DRC: Tensions have persisted due to Burundi’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- RED-Tabara rebel group: In December 2023, Burundi accused Rwanda of supporting the RED-Tabara rebel group, which has been operating in the DRC since 2015. Red Tabara has been battling Burundi’s government from bases in the eastern DRC since 2015. This accusation has further strained relations between the two countries
Impact on Border Crossings
The border closure will affect the Rwandans and Burundians.This latest development could potentially escalate regional tensions and impact the free movement of people and goods between the two countries
Regional Implications
The border closure further strains relations between Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the larger East African Community (EAC). Relations between some nations within the EAC have been frosty for years.The EAC has faced challenges from political tensions and border closures.
Rwanda and Uganda reopened their border posts followuing a three-year closure after Kigali’s claimed that Kampala had supported dissents to overthrow the Rwandan government.
Moreover, the DRC has constantly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which has orchestrated the displacement of millions of DRC natioanls. Between 2022 and 2023, the EAC deployed soldiers to fight the rebel group and several others operating in Africa’s second largest country by landmass. However, Rwandese soldiers were excluded.
The European Union and United Nations experts and have also cited evidence of Kigali’s support for M23 rebel group, but Kigali denies these allegations. Efforts by the Angolan government to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC have been futile.
In December 2023, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi further intensified the situation during a campaign stop.
“I’ve had enough of invasions and M23 rebels backed by Kigali,” Tshisekedi said. “If you re-elect me and Rwanda persists, … I will request parliament and Congress to authorise a declaration of war. We will march on Kigali. Tell Kagame those days of playing games with Congolese leaders are over.”
