Africa-Press – Rwanda. Burundian rebel group RED-Tabara has dismissed accusations by President Évariste Ndayishimiye that Rwanda is backing their movement, insisting that their struggle is solely supported by Burundian people who understand its legitimacy.
In an interview with BBC News Gahuza, on March 25, Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda is preparing to attack Burundi through DR Congo and through the RED-Tabara rebels. In a statement published on X, the rebels categorically denied receiving any support from Rwanda or any external source.
“How can Rwanda support RED-Tabara at a time when it is in advanced negotiations with Burundi to settle their differences? RED-Tabara can assure President Ndayishimiye that if we had any support other than that of the people, he would no longer be here ranting all day long,” said Patrick Nahimana, the group’s military spokesperson.
“President Evariste Ndayishimiye knows well that RED-Tabara has no support from Rwanda, our struggle is supported only by the Burundian people who understand its legitimacy.”
The rebels accuse Ndayishimiye of using Rwanda as a scapegoat to divert attention from internal issues.
“We categorically deny Ndayishimiye’s delusional statements and urge the Burundian people to mobilize to put an end to a regime that is inflicting unbearable suffering on them.”
Rwanda denies allegations
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation rejected the Burundian president’s claims, emphasizing that both nations are currently engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences.
“This statement from the President of Burundi is unfortunate, especially since the military and intelligence authorities of the two countries are currently in discussions and have even agreed on the need for military and verbal de-escalation,” foreign affairs minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said in a post X, on March 25.
He also referenced recent diplomatic engagements with his Burundian counterpart on the sidelines of the joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Zimbabwe, on March 17, stating that both parties were aligned in their efforts to ease tensions.
“Rwanda will, despite everything, continue its commitment to peace with Burundi and in the Great Lakes region while hoping for a little calm and serenity in the official remarks on the other side of the Akanyaru,” Nduhungirehe added.
The rebel group accused Ndayishimiye of double standards, and criticized him for advocating for negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 rebels while refusing to engage in direct talks with Burundian rebel group.
“Why doesn’t he apply the same lesson he teaches his neighbor at home?” the group questioned.
The rebels accused Ndayishimiye of repeatedly blaming Rwanda to distract from internal political crises, calling it an “opportune scarecrow” used to mislead the Burundian people and the international community.
They urged the Burundian president to reconsider his stance and initiate dialogue to resolve Burundi’s political crisis, which has persisted since 2015.
Formed in 2011, RED-Tabara is thought to have between 500 and 800 fighters and has been behind most of the deadly attacks in Burundi since 2015.
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