Burundi Rwanda ties: Looking beyond the imperfections

It’s close to seven years now that the Burundi and Rwanda bilateral relationship is at its lowest in recent history. Cross-border trade is estimated to be close to nil, people-to-people interactions reduced considerably. Politically, the two countries’ relationship experienced its toughest of times.  Nonetheless, we now see light at the end of the tunnel. 

Burundi and Rwanda are two neighboring countries in East Africa that share a lot in common, more than all other countries do in the Great Lakes Region. No wonder, in most cases when a Rwandan travels abroad, he or she often gets confused to being a Burundian. The same applies to Burundians who often get confused to be Rwandans.  

The confusion is far from being inappropriate as the two countries share similarities not just in their historical background but more so in their culture. Over the past few years, the two countries had a relationship so poor that their bilateral ties were characterized by mistrust on a number of issues.

Animosity was entertained from politically-motivated causes. Consequently, the biggest losers of it all were the people; all of them, from the small traders to major business people. The popular Burundian silverfish (Indagara) and the juicy and succulent mangoes could not have their way past the Burundi borders to Rwanda, and the same applies to Rwandan goodies crossing to Burundi. Commercial trucks from Rwanda could not be driven past Akanyaru, Nemba or Bugarama border crossings. 

Business between Burundi and Rwanda has been, literally, put to a halt. Ask the two peoples about the losses they registered in the past years, the answer will be identical; Igihombo! Loss, as it is called in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda.   

Youngsters from both countries undeniably miss the raving nights in the capital cities of Bujumbura and Kigali. Famous hangout places at the beach like Saga Plage and others have certainly been replaced by new ones that need Rwandan youngsters to visit and enjoy. Equally, Kigali night life is increasingly becoming exciting and awaits folks from Burundi. The beach in Rubavu is also warming up for Burundians.

The people miss the good old times, the frame of mind that should brand the two nations that share almost everything in common. But all hope is not lost. Recently, efforts are being made by the leaders of the two countries to normalize and revamp bilateral relations. The two countries exchanged delegations at several occasions in the very latest developments. 

At first, ministers of foreign affairs met and expressed their commitment to normalize relations. Their talks were certainly flagship events followed by some other bold steps towards their promise. We saw delegations of both countries holding talks at several occasions.  Governors, and later on, security chiefs, met over the same, and at all these occasions, one fact was observable from both sides; the desire to return to normal the bilateral relationship.  

The extradition of criminals from both countries is one of the pointers to a commitment to good neighborliness. From the new developments, we can only hope that more progress will be achieved soon. Burundi and Rwanda share a lot that they cannot afford to live in animosity. Good bilateral relations certainly benefit the two countries better and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development of the two nations. 

As a people, we can only support these great efforts as we plan on ways to making good use of the opportunities that come with it. Let us not agonize but consolidate what unites us as a people and build a better future for our two nations.