President Ndayishimiye of Burundi has accused Rwanda of supporting the DRC-based armed group Red Tabara against his government. In response, Rwanda has denied these allegations and expressed its disappointment with Burundi’s decision to close its border with Rwanda. The closure of the border could restrict the movement of people and goods, violating principles of regional cooperation within the East African Community.
The tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are just one example of the regional rifts within the East African Community. Uganda and Rwanda recently reopened their border posts after a three-year closure, and the DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the armed group M23. Efforts to mediate these disputes have so far been unsuccessful.
The situation is further escalated by President Tshisekedi of the DRC, who has threatened to declare war on Rwanda if the alleged support for M23 persists. This has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further conflict.