Rwanda Burundi relations on right track

Over the past few years, Rwanda and Burundi hit an impasse in their relations. It had become so poor that bilateral ties were characterized by mistrust on a number of issues. However, in latest developments, both countries expressed commitment to normalize relations.

Both governments acknowledge the existence of historic relations between Rwanda and Burundi as well as the challenges faced since 2015, to date. They agree on the need to continue regular contact in order to normalise relations. Despite their historic ties, both countries have faced challenges over the past seven years. It was eventually agreed that there is need to engage in order to find lasting solutions to issues of mutual concern.

The Rwanda-Burundi rapprochement was emphasized by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, in a November 22 interview on France 24 and RFI. He said relations between his country and Rwanda are improving.

The Burundian leader confirmed that there are no real tensions,  whatsoever, between Burundi and Rwanda, adding that any remaining issues are being resolved diplomatically, and progressively.

What caused the Burundi-Rwanda fall out in the first place? Following the 2015 post-election violence in Burundi, thousands of Burundians sought refuge in Rwanda. Burundian authorities accused Rwanda of harboring and supporting Burundian coup plotters, an accusation that Rwanda repeatedly denied.

Addressing this particular issue in the interview, Ndayishimiye said that discussions on modalities are ongoing and being worked on by technical teams from both countries’ justice departments.

Rwanda also accused Burundi of supporting Rwandan terror groups including CNRD/FLN. These groups have been accused of using Burundi as their base to plan and launch deadly attacks on the territory of Rwanda, and were known to be supported by Gitega in their subversive activities against Rwanda.

Consequently, the biggest losers of it all were the people. People-to-people interactions reduced considerably; small traders and major businesses were, literally, put to a halt. Cross-border trade was close to nil - commercial trucks from Rwanda could not be driven past Akanyaru, Nemba or Bugarama border crossings.

Needless to say that politically, the two countries’ relationship experienced its toughest of times.  But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The neighboring countries’ Presidents took bold steps to put the relations on the right path.

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. Delegations of both countries held talks on several occasions.  Governors, and later on, security chiefs, met over the same.

To date, as President Ndayishimiye confirmed in his interview, Rwandans are back to the beautiful beach of Tanganyika, and Burundians are free to visit their families in Rwanda. And trade is back on track. We can attribute all these developments, to good political will and diplomacy from both countries.

Restoration of bilateral relations is beneficial to the citizens of both countries. It facilitates free movement of people, and business, which are some of the pillars of the East African Community’s integration agenda.

Good bilateral relations certainly benefit the two countries better and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development of the two nations.