RED-Tabara refutes Ndayishimiye’s accusations of Rwandan support
A categorical rejection of the Burundian President’s accusations
The Burundian rebel group RED-Tabara has firmly rejected the allegations made by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who accuses Rwanda of supporting their movement. In a statement published on X, the rebels asserted that their fight relies solely on the support of the Burundian people and not on external aid.
A verbal attack on Burundi’s Head of State
In an interview on March 25, 2025, Évariste Ndayishimiye claimed that Rwanda was preparing an offensive against Burundi, using the DRC as a rear base and supporting RED-Tabara. The group’s military spokesman, Patrick Nahimana, responded sarcastically:
“How can Rwanda support us when it is in advanced negotiations with Burundi? If we had outside support, Ndayishimiye wouldn’t be here grumbling all day.”
The rebels accuse the Burundian President of looking for a scapegoat to divert attention from the country’s internal problems.
Rwanda denies any involvement
In response to Burundi’s accusations, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any support for RED-Tabara and pointed out that the two countries were pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, in a message published on X, found these statements regrettable:
“The military and intelligence authorities of both countries are in discussion and have agreed on the need for military and verbal de-escalation.”
Conclusion: a climate of persistent tension
Despite official attempts at rapprochement between Bujumbura and Kigali, tensions remain high between the two nations. Burundi ‘s recurrent accusations and Rwanda’s rebuttals maintain a climate of mistrust, making a genuine easing of bilateral relations uncertain.
