EngRegional
Burundi's Ndayishimiye sowing insecurity in region
Burundi
President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s deep involvement in the escalating security
crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a grave concern, not
just for the Congolese but also for the wider region. This surge in violence is
characterized by hate speech, discrimination, and it is driven by greed and
self-interest, prompting serious apprehension.
The
security situation in the Great Lakes region is precarious, driven by
Ndayishimiye's self-interest in aligning with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi,
who has opted for conflict over peace in his country.
Ndayishimiye's
involvement in the plot of ethnic cleansing targeting Congolese Tutsi involves
collaborating with the genocidal FDLR militia to persecute the Congolese
Tutsi.
Ndayishimiye
is supporting Tshisekedi by adding the Burundian army to the Congolese army's
coalition, alongside SADC, Eastern European mercenaries, Congolese militia
groups like the newly formed Wazalendo, and the Rwandan genocidal group, FDLR,
formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis
in Rwanda. The coalition is implicated in mass killings, targeting Congolese
Tutsis, looting their property, and burning their homes.
Being
a member of the EAC, Ndayishimiye had the chance to play a pivotal role in
bolstering the ongoing peace process to quell violence in eastern DRC. However,
he chose to undermine these efforts.
On
January 20, during his trip to Kinshasa, Ndayishimiye was seen shaking hands
with Robert Seninga, the leader of the Nyatura militia which is affiliated with
FDLR. This meeting exposed Ndayishimiye's intentions and ongoing collaboration
with the FDLR genocidal group.
On
January 21, Ndayishimiye, also addressed over 500 youths in Kinshasa, in his
capacity as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, and he
pledged to help topple a democratically elected government in Rwanda led by
President Paul Kagame. On that occasion, Ndayishimiye made unfounded and
inflammatory allegations aimed at stirring division among Rwandans, thereby
exacerbating tensions and undermining peace and security in the Great Lakes
region.
Ndayishimiye
acted and behaved in a manner contrary to what he is expected, as the African
Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, by calling on Rwandan youth to
overthrow their government. Clearly, he is looking to cause trouble.
Ndayishimiye
continues to make shortsighted decisions. Despite Burundi's status as a
landlocked country reliant on its regional neighbors for economic, social, and
political benefits, he chose to close its border with Rwanda, sacrificing these
vital connections.
The
December 2023 economic data by the Global Finance magazine shows that Burundi
ranked second among the 10 poorest countries in the world, with a GDP of $891
per capita. The country still has more than 70 per cent of the population
living in poverty, while 52 per cent of children under five are stunted with
high levels of malnutrition.
Despite
historical tensions, DRC and Rwanda keep their borders open. Any issues between
Burundi and Rwanda can be resolved through diplomacy or regional platforms like
the EAC or the African Union, rather than resorting to border closures that
harm, isolate Burundi, and escalate regional tensions at the same time.
Ndayishimiye
should be brave enough and unite East African states rather than working
tirelessly to gather to sow division and jeopardizing regional peace and
security
