Regional
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others have certainly been replaced by new ones that need Rwandan youngsters to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.