Two presidents warn Ndayishimiye Over alleged plan to attack Rwanda
Reports emerging from the Great Lakes region suggest that Évariste Ndayishimiye has recently received warnings from fellow regional leaders over an alleged plan to launch military action against Rwanda.
According to sources cited by regional media, both Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and William Samoei Ruto contacted the Burundian leader, urging caution and discouraging any escalation that could destabilize the region. The claims, however, remain unverified by independent observers, and no official statements have been issued by the governments involved.
Allegations of Military Preparations
The reports allege that Burundi has been receiving military support, including weapons and equipment, from Belgium as part of preparations for a potential offensive. These claims also suggest the involvement of several regional actors, including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania, as well as the FDLR rebel group.
There is no publicly available evidence confirming these allegations, and officials from the countries mentioned have not formally responded.
Warnings from Regional Leaders
Sources claim that President Ruto cautioned Ndayishimiye against being drawn into a conflict under false pretenses, warning of potentially severe consequences. President Museveni is also reported to have stressed that the region cannot afford another war, emphasizing the importance of stability in East Africa.
These accounts have not been independently verified.
Historical Tensions
Relations between Gitega and Kigali have been strained for years, particularly since the 2015 political crisis in Burundi linked to the late Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial third term.
Rwanda has hosted tens of thousands of Burundian refugees since that period, including political opponents who fled the unrest. In turn, Burundi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting opposition groups, including the RED-Tabara—claims that Kigali has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has accused Burundi of harboring elements of the FDLR, a militia with historical links to perpetrators of the Rwandan Genocide.
Escalating Rhetoric
In recent years, President Ndayishimiye has made several public statements accusing Rwanda of hostile intentions, including alleged plans to attack Burundi via eastern Congo. In past interviews, he has also suggested that Burundi would respond militarily if attacked.
Rwandan authorities have condemned such rhetoric, particularly remarks perceived as encouraging regime change, describing them as destabilizing and contrary to regional and continental norms.
