Relations between Burundi and Rwanda, historically tumultuous, experienced a recent downturn as Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing rebels responsible for attacks on Burundian soil, including a deadly raid on December 22.
Burundi alleges that the RED-Tabara group, based in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), carried out the attack, resulting in 20 casualties, including women and children. President Ndayishimiye claimed that Rwanda provided shelter, food, offices, and money to these armed groups.
The Burundian leader vowed to confront the rebels with determination, emphasizing unsuccessful attempts over two years to persuade Rwanda to hand over the rebels for justice. He warned that continued support for those harming children could sow the seeds of hatred between the two nations.
Rwanda and RED-Tabara rejected the accusations, with Rwanda’s government denying any association with Burundian armed groups. The statement clarified that Rwanda had previously handed over Burundian militants who had illegally crossed into its territory.
The Burundian government reported that most of the victims in the December 22 attack were civilians, including 12 children and three pregnant women. RED-Tabara, however, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it targeted a border post and killed military personnel.
RED-Tabara, active since 2011, is the most prominent of Burundi’s rebel groups, with an estimated force of 500 to 800 fighters. The group, accused of deadly violence in Burundi since 2015, had not been active there since September 2021.
Despite improving ties after Ndayishimiye assumed power in 2020, relations between Burundi and Rwanda soured again due to Burundi’s involvement in the DRC. Burundian forces have engaged in joint operations with Congolese counterparts against rebels in the eastern DRC, a region plagued by armed groups and rich in minerals.
Burundi, part of an East African force deployed in November 2022 to address DRC violence, withdrew its soldiers earlier this month after Kinshasa refused to extend the mission’s mandate.
