The president of Burundi has accused Rwanda of providing financial support and training to rebels responsible for an attack on the village of Gatumba near the border with Congo.
The rebel group, known as RED-Tabara, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had targeted soldiers and a police officer, not civilians.
Burundian authorities consider RED-Tabara a terrorist organization and have been seeking the extradition of its members from Rwanda.
President Ndayishimiye expressed frustration with the situation, stating that as long as the rebels receive support and protection from Rwanda, the problem will persist.
Rwanda has not yet responded to these accusations. Relations between the two countries had improved recently, but this incident may strain their ties once again.
Presently, the East African contingent is gradually being pulled out from the conflict-ridden eastern Congo due to concerns raised by the local population and authorities. These concerns revolve around the fact that instead of disarming the rebels, the forces were found to be living alongside them, prompting the decision to withdraw the troops in a phased manner.
