NAIROBI, March 25 (AGC NewsNet) - Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye stated that he has obtained "credible intelligence" indicating that Rwanda plans to attack Burundi. This assertion comes as Burundian forces have been engaged in combat with Rwandan-backed rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.​

In an interview with the BBC, Ndayishimiye remarked, "We know that he has a plan to attack Burundi," referring to Rwandan President Paul Kagame. He emphasized, "Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters."​

Rwanda's Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, labeled Ndayishimiye's comments as "unfortunate." In a post on X, Nduhungirehe noted that both nations are engaged in discussions and have agreed on the necessity for both military and verbal de-escalation.​

These developments highlight the broader regional implications of the conflict in eastern Congo. Since January, M23 rebels have seized significant territories and caused thousands of casualties. The previous war in eastern Congo (1998-2003) involved over half a dozen foreign armies. Currently, the United Nations reports that Rwanda has provided arms and troops to support M23, while Burundian forces have allied with Congolese troops. Rwanda denies supporting M23, asserting that its forces act in self-defense against the Congolese army and militias hostile to Kigali.​

Burundi has maintained a military presence in Congo for years to pursue Burundian rebels. In February, it withdrew most of its 12,000 troops, according to a Burundian officer and diplomatic. Recently, officials from both countries have met multiple times, agreeing that the Rwandan army should not occupy the Congolese territory, near Burundi's commercial capital, Bujumbura.​

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