Bujumbura, Kigali in war of words over alleged border kidnappings

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (left) receives Burundian President Nkurunziza on April 13, 2015. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have deteriorated since 2015. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• Burundi Foreign Affairs Minister Alain Nyamitwe says Bujumbura is ready to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve the matter.
• Burundi accuses the Rwanda army of being behind the attacks.
• Rwanda says it is not aware of the incident.

By MOSES HAVYARIMANA
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Burundi has asked Rwanda to release its nationals allegedly kidnapped recently in Cibitoke Province as a first step to mending their relations.

Burundi Foreign Affairs Minister Alain Nyamitwe said Bujumbura was ready to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve the matter.

“Issues regarding citizens can be addressed through the embassy and the Foreign Ministry. We will be willing to facilitate and co-operate as we have done in the past. We have clearly shown that we want to live in peace with our neighbours including Rwanda,” Mr Nyamitwe said.

According to Bujumbura, two people have been killed and at least four kidnapped during the attacks along the border over the past month.

READ: Rwanda, Burundi spar over kidnapping, murder

Burundi accuses the Rwanda army of being behind the attacks. Two of the missing people were said to have been illegally prospecting for minerals along the border. 

“These people took too long to inform the Burundian authorities about the incident because they were illegally exploring gold and they thought we would arrest them,” said Pierre Nkurikiye, Burundi police spokesman.

Not aware

Rwanda says it is not aware of the incident.

“I have no clue so far on that issue but let me first consult,” said Rene Ngendahimana, Rwandan army spokesman.

Rwanda Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said Kigali was engaging Burundi but added that the country needed to sort out its internal issues first.

“We have not stopped talking. What is needed is Burundi talking to Burundi; that is what the stalled intra-Burundian dialogue is about,” Ms Mushikiwabo said.

READ: What next for Rwanda and Burundi relations?

Last month, Mr Ngendahimana said that unidentified attackers fired at and lobbed two grenades into a bar killing one civilian and injuring eight near the border in an escalation of insecurity.

Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have deteriorated since 2015 as Rwanda accused Burundi of sheltering the FDLR rebels who are accused of committing the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.

Burundi counters this, claiming the Rwanda military is training Burundian refugees to overthrow President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government.

Both countries have imposed travel and trade restrictions on each other, hurting families who regularly cross the border and causing food shortages.

READ: EALA seeks to mend Rwanda, Burundi ties

Rwanda imports fruits, vegetables, silver fish and cassava from Burundi, which in turn relies on Rwanda for processed foods. More than 100 Burundians were reportedly deported from Rwanda as Burundi called on those outside the country to return as the country is steadily gaining stability.

“It is high time our citizens in Rwanda return home as there is no compelling reason for them to remain in other countries,” added Mr Nyamitwe.

According to the UNHCR, more than 400 Burundian refugees can be found in eight African countries with Rwanda hosting 84,866 of these since 2015 when violent protests erupted that led to more than 500 people losing their lives.