Burundi Close Border, Expels Rwandans

Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, recently accused neighboring Rwanda of providing funding and support for RED-Tabara, an armed rebel group based in South Kivu, eastern Congo, in sub-Saharan Africa. Just some weeks later, the Burundian government took the initiative in closing the border with Rwanda, including the deportation of their nationals. When speaking about Rwandan leadership, Internal Affairs Minister Martin Niteretse said Rwanda’s President “Paul Kagame is a bad neighbor… we have suspended all relations with him until he comes to his senses. He is harboring criminals who are destabilizing Burundi.” Later elaborating on the deportation of Rwandans, Niteretse said “All the borders are closed. We don’t need Rwandans here, and even those who were on our territory, we chased them out.” These remarks encapsulate the flaring tensions in the region; one infamous for conflict and dispute.

Burundi’s accusations stem from a recent attack near Burundi’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. RED-Tabara claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, and Burundian officials quickly reported that 20 people, mainly civilians, were killed. The rebel group, however, has claimed that it took the lives of nine soldiers and a police officer. Rwandan officials denied Burundi’s claim that they have been training and providing shelter and resources for RED-Tabara. Yolande Makolo, a spokeswoman for President Kagame said that Burundi’s policy is in violation of the East African Community’s principles of regional cooperation, and that it will negatively impact the free movement of people and goods between the two countries. Civilians have reported difficulties, including people who distribute food back and forth throughout both countries, specifically bus drivers who frequently have to make border crossings. 

RED-Tabara was formed in the aftermath of the political turmoil of 2015 in Burundi, during  which former President Pierre Nkurunziza claimed his right to run for a third term as President. The Rebel group is against the majority political party, Defense of Democracy, who obtained their authority in the aftermath of the Burundian Civil War. Since their formation, RED-Tabara has been consistently battling Burundi’s government. They are believed to have 500 to 800 fighters, and are behind several lethal attacks in Burundi, including strikes on Bujumbura airport. 

Nevertheless, this is not the first time that the border between Burundi and Rwanda has been closed. From 2015 to 2022, a border closure existed primarily due to similar accusations stemming from alleged support of rebel groups. The original closure occurred amidst mass protests across Burundi following President Nkurunziza’s claim to run for a third term, and a coup attempt that led to mass displacement. The reopening of the border in 2022 was a significant step towards stability in an area known for its complexity, political instability, and periodic conflicts. However, the recent dispute, ensuing border closure, and expulsion of Rwandan nationals is a massive regression in diplomacy in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Political analysts have reported that this recent spat is not purely motivated by the recent events involving RED-Tabara, but also the residue from the previous period in which a diplomatic relationship between Burundi and Rwanda was non-existent and tensions were at an all time high. The conflict between the two countries runs deep, requiring great diplomatic effort to resolve and to ensure that contemporary life returns to normality.