Efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between Burundi and Rwanda continue to face obstacles from Bujumbura, namely Burundian high-ranking officials. Despite repeated signals of goodwill from Kigali, political resistance from Bujumbura has kept relations fragile and tense. Which is mad, because Rwanda really loses nothing.
Rwanda has consistently expressed its willingness to restore peaceful and cooperation, purely for good neighborliness.
However, the conduct and utterances of the president of Burundi, his foreign minister Édouard Bizimana, and the ruling party (the DDs) secretary general Révérien Ndikuriyo shows they are ready to shoot themselves in the foot, at every turn.
While diplomatic and security-level engagements have taken place, the “DD” bigwigs have no interest in peaceful relations. Meetings between Burundian and Rwandan security officials were held at the border on December 14 and 28, 2025, following the fall of Uvira, to establish de-escalation mechanisms.
According to Rwandan officials, Rwanda’s objective “has always been to seek rapport with Burundi.”
However, these efforts have been undermined by hostile rhetoric from Burundian leadership. The statements by Ndayishimiye and his Minister of Foreign Affairs have not facilitated this task.
One of the most serious concerns relates to ideology and security.
The Burundian ruler Evariste Ndayishimiye aka Gen. Neva has appointed individuals to high-level positions who are promoting narratives that deny the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and legitimizing the FDLR.
This collaboration with FDLR elements, including the relocation and harboring of these genocidal terrorists fleeing eastern DRC. Such actions and associations not only fuel ethnic hatred but also directly threaten regional stability, making reconciliation with Rwanda increasingly difficult.
Burundi’s alignment with the regime of Tshisekedi is a stumbling block. Ndayishimiye is getting money from Kinshasa in exchange for deploying Burundian troops to fight the M23 movement, an armed group that the Burundian regime allegedly associates with Rwanda.
This military and financial cooperation has pushed Burundi closer to the DRC’s anti-Rwanda posture, reinforcing a campaign of hostility rather than dialogue.
Since the end of 2023, relations between Rwanda and Burundi have remained unstable. Kigali has continued to demonstrate openness to dialogue, and several bilateral delegations have met to prevent further escalation. Yet meaningful progress remains elusive.
As long as Burundi’s highest-ranking officials continue to resist reconciliation politically, ideologically, and militarily any attempt to normalize relations is likely to be sabotaged from within.
But only Burundi loses, though the “DDs” have no care.
ellenkampire