Burundi closes land borders with Rwanda amid rising tensions

Last Thursday, Burundian authorities declared the complete closure of their land borders with Rwanda. This decision follows accusations from the Burundian Minister of Interior and Security, accusing Kigali of serving as a base for enemies of Burundi. Concurrently, the expulsion of Rwandan nationals from Burundian territory was also announced.

In late 2023, the Burundian government, led by the Head of State, accused Rwanda of providing financial support, arms, shelter, and sustenance to the Burundian rebel group RED-Tabara.

According to Gitega, this rebellion is allegedly responsible for an attack that resulted in the death of 20 people in Gatumba, a Burundian town on the border with the DRC.

The Burundian opposition expresses dissatisfaction with these measures, while Rwanda rejects the allegations from its neighbor.

Kigali laments the border closure, describing the decision as «unilateral». It is crucial to note that this situation arises approximately a year after the reopening of borders between the two countries, which had remained closed for 7 years.

Stan OKAFOR