Burundi has made an announcement regarding the closure of its border with Rwanda and the suspension of diplomatic relations with its neighboring country.
The decision was made in response to allegations that Rwanda has been supporting a rebel group responsible for cross-border attacks.
The Burundian internal affairs minister, Martin Niteretse, stated that the government has started deporting Rwandan nationals and referred to Rwandan President Paul Kagame as a “bad neighbor.” Niteretse emphasized that all borders are closed and that they do not want Rwandans in Burundi.
Last month, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused his Rwandan counterpart of hosting and training the RED-Tabara militia, a group that opposes the political control of the ruling party in Burundi.
The Burundian government has designated this group as a terrorist organization and has linked them to various attacks in the country since 2015. Rwanda has previously denied these allegations, but it has now become aware of Burundi’s decision to suspend diplomatic ties.
According to the news agency, Makolo expressed concern over the unfortunate decision, stating that it would impede the free movement of people and goods between the two countries, while also violating the principles of regional cooperation and integration within the East African Community.
Additionally, the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of funding the M23 fighters, an insurgent group involved in violent activities within the mineral-rich Central African country.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DR Congo, who recently secured a second term in office, has even threatened to declare war on Kigali if their support for the M23 rebels persists. Previously, UN experts had reported that Kigali was providing arms, training, financing, and logistical assistance to the M23 militants in the DR Congo, as well as supporting rebels in Burundi. However, the Rwandan government has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as an attempt to provoke instability in the region.
