Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has eased concerns about an imminent attack from Rwanda, following “discussions with Rwanda’s partner countries”. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Ndayishimiye called for vigilance while assuring Burundians that the perceived threat was diminishing.
“After the discussions I had with Rwanda’s partner countries, those who were expecting to profit from Rwanda’s attack on Burundi should wait in vain,” according to a post. However, the president did not disclose the venue or the identities of the countries involved in the discussions.
Speculation suggests the talks may have occurred on Saturday in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where Ndayishimiye attended the African Union’s 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. During the summit, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was elected as the new AU chairperson.
The AU summit also addressed escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda—continue to advance towards Bukavu despite recommendations for an immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations made during the recent EAC-SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, further raising fears of a potential conflict in the region.
In his statement, Ndayishimiye reiterated his call to the citizens for vigilance, warning: “Burundians with a patriotic heart should always remain vigilant because no one knows the day of a thief.”
His remarks come amid heightened security concerns following his recent warnings to citizens in Kirundo northern province, which borders Rwanda. Ndayishimiye vowed to retaliate if Burundi were attacked, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Earlier this month, during a speech to Burundi’s diplomatic corps in Bujumbura, Ndayishimiye warned of a potential regional war linked to Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the DRC conflict.
“There is a threat in the region. It is not just Burundi; Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya—all of East Africa is under threat. If there is no peace in eastern DRC, there is no peace in the region. Do not think that only Burundi is under threat,” he said.
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