Rwanda has unequivocally refuted allegations made by Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, on Friday morning accusing Rwanda of involvement in aiding Burundian armed rebel factions operating within the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“There’s no truth whatsoever in what the President of Burundi has said in reference to Rwanda,” said Yolande Makolo, the Government Spokesperson.
She said Rwanda is instead committed to regional stability and its non-engagement with any Burundian armed groups.
“In the spirit of mutual cooperation, the Government of Rwanda has previously handed over, through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism, Burundian combatants who illegally crossed into Rwanda,” Yolande said in a statement issued on Friday evening.
Earlier this month, on the contrary, Burundi was found itself in an embarrassing gaffe after it’s soldiers were caught fighting for DRC against M23 and humiliated on camera.
General Ndayishime has since found himself explaining to his regional counterparts for betraying the EAC’s peace pact.
Amidst Burundi’s outlandish allegations, the country grapples with domestic political and economic challenges.
The country has navigated through a period of political turbulence and strained relations with neighboring nations, contributing to an atmosphere of regional complexity.
Economically, Burundi faces significant hurdles, wrestling with issues such as heightened poverty rates, limited access to essential services, and susceptibility to external economic shocks including a sharp scarcity of the dollar in the market.
These challenges compound the difficulties faced by its population, significantly impacting the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
Rwanda’s prompt and categorical response to President Ndayishimiye’s allegations underscores the importance of fostering regional cooperation and stability.
Rwanda, according to Makolo, previously demonstrated cooperation through established mechanisms by facilitating the repatriation of Burundian combatants, emphasizes the significance of resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue.
Given these complexities, she said in a statement, Rwanda emphasizes the important role of talking things out through diplomacy.
The Rwandan Government insists on supporting peaceful discussions and working together to promote stability and prosperity throughout the region.
