Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye warns Rwanda against any military aggression, signaling rising tensions rooted in historical ethnic divisions and ongoing conflicts with implications for regional stability. His statements reflect a defensive posture, amid accusations against Rwanda for planning hostilities.
Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye has expressed firm resistance against any potential attack from Rwanda, raising concerns about escalating conflicts in the region. In a speech to residents in Bugabira, located near the Rwandan border, he stated, “The one that is going to attack us, we will ourselves attack,” characterizing Rwanda as a “bad neighbour.” He warned his citizens to prepare for potential military action while alleging that Kigali has plans against Burundi, labeling it an “enemy.”
Burundi’s socio-political landscape is heavily influenced by ethnic tensions between the majority Hutu and the minority Tutsi populations, which has a history of violence, exemplified by ethnic massacres and a civil war from 1993 to 2006, resulting in around 300,000 deaths. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intensified by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, has raised alarm over potential spillover effects into Burundi. The UN has reported thousands of casualties linked to this conflict.
While Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group, it has cited threats from Hutu extremist factions in the DRC to justify its defense strategies. In response, Burundi has deployed thousands of troops to support the Congolese army since late October 2023, with an additional battalion recently dispatched. This military mobilization indicates an urgency in addressing perceived threats from its neighbor.
Tensions have prompted public figures, such as Bishop Bonaventure Nahimana of Muyinga, to urge caution against rekindling ethnic divisions. He emphasized the necessity for collective awareness, asserting, “We cannot stand by in silence while this war awakes the wounds of ethnic divisions,” reflecting growing concerns within the community and among political leaders about this volatile situation.
In summary, the rhetoric from President Ndayishimiye of Burundi highlights the escalating tensions with neighboring Rwanda, intertwined with historical ethnic divides and contemporary conflicts in the DRC. The potential for increased military engagements raises alarm as Burundi’s leadership grapples with security threats and social dynamics within the country.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
