Rwanda and Burundi Security Chiefs Hold Talks to Ease Rising Tensions

Security officials from Rwanda and Burundi held a high-level meeting over the weekend in a bid to ease escalating tensions and prevent further deterioration in relations between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting, which brought together senior security officials including intelligence chiefs from both sides, was confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, during an interview with France 24 television.

“Regarding Burundi, there was a meeting this weekend between the security organs of both countries aimed at discussing ways to de-escalate tensions,” Nduhungirehe said.

The Rwandan foreign minister expressed hope that continued dialogue through such meetings could significantly reduce instability in the Great Lakes region and help revive various peace agreements that have stalled in recent years.

The security talks come at a time when relations between Kigali and Gitega remain strained, following weeks of heightened insecurity linked to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Tensions intensified after AFC/M23 rebels seized the city of Uvira on December 9, before beginning a withdrawal from the city on Wednesday. In the course of the fighting, Burundi accused Rwanda of shelling its territory with heavy weapons—claims that Kigali has firmly denied. Rwanda, in turn, accused Burundian forces of firing into its territory in the Bugarama area.

Since the fall of Uvira, Burundian officials, including diplomats, have repeatedly warned that the situation could escalate into open conflict with Rwanda. Burundi has also raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council, where it called for economic sanctions against Rwanda and a ban on arms sales to Kigali.