Rwanda Responds to Burundian President's Claims of Attack

(MENAFN) Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, expressed concern on Tuesday regarding the statement made by Burundian Leader Evariste Ndayishimiye, who claimed that Rwanda was planning an attack on his country. Nduhungirehe described the assertion as “unfortunate.”

On X, Nduhungirehe emphasized that military and intelligence representatives from both nations had been in discussions, during which they reached a mutual understanding on the importance of de-escalating tensions.

He also revealed that he had engaged in talks with his Burundian peer during a joint ministerial session the previous week, which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). According to Nduhungirehe, both sides were "completely on the same wavelength."

Despite the claims, Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining peace with Burundi and promoting stability in the Great Lakes region.

He expressed hope for “a little calm and serenity” in the official statements coming from Burundi, particularly from those across the Akanyaru River.

The foreign minister’s comments followed remarks by Leader Ndayishimiye, who had told a news agency that Rwandan Leader Paul Kagame was preparing to attack Burundi.

In his statement, Ndayishimiye declared, "Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters," stating furthermore that Burundi had no intention of attacking Rwanda and sought to resolve any issues via talks.

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