Ndayishimiye Blames Rwanda’s Expansionist Policies for Persistent Tensions in South Kivu

Bujumbura, Burundi, January 17, 2026 - President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi spoke out on the ongoing tensions between the Banyamulenge, Bafuliro, and Babembe communities in South Kivu, DRC, asserting that, “Without Rwanda’s expansionist policies, we could have already reconciled everyone.” During the New Year’s greetings ceremony with the diplomatic and consular corps on January 14, 2026, Ndayishimiye reviewed Burundi’s regional responsibilities in 2025, emphasizing the country’s role in protecting civilian populations and promoting peaceful coexistence among local communities in eastern DRC. “Our officers have experience in reconciliation, not only to ensure the security of the population but also to work towards reconciliation. You witnessed, upon the arrival of Burundian troops, that the Banyamulenge, Babembe, and Bafuliro, who had been fighting each other, immediately reconciled-without Rwanda’s expansionist policy,” he stated. The Burundian head of state criticized Rwanda’s support of the AFC/M23 rebellion, which led to the occupation of the strategic city of Uvira, before the rebels announced a withdrawal under pressure from the United States-a move contested by the Kinshasa government. Ndayishimiye praised the cooperation of Kinshasa regarding Congolese refugees hosted in Burundi, noting: “Even the refugees we are hosting are considered internally displaced persons; they did not flee the government in power, but the aggression of the enemy. We are striving to show them solidarity and are grateful for the Congolese government’s efforts to assist them.” He highlighted Burundi’s broader regional contributions: Chairing the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation in the DRC until May 2025. Chairing COMESA until October 2025. Holding the first vice-presidency of the African Union since February 2025. Holding the vice-presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. “These responsibilities have allowed Burundi to actively contribute to conflict resolution in Africa and acquire concrete experience in promoting peace,” Ndayishimiye said. Addressing the regional dynamics, Ndayishimiye noted that Rwanda continues to provide military support to the AFC/M23 rebels, while Burundi, allied with Kinshasa, is actively fighting alongside the FARDC. Last December, Burundi accused Rwanda of carrying out “destabilizing activities” along the Congolese border, declaring that its troops deployed in DRC would not withdraw until their mission is fully accomplished. In a related statement, Burundian Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana condemned the continuation of hostilities: “Despite the recently signed ceasefire and peacebuilding agreements, Rwanda continues to deploy its soldiers and carry out attacks against the Burundian National Defence Forces present in the DRC.” This underscores Burundi’s firm stance in supporting the DRC government and its determination to counter external interference destabilizing the Great Lakes region.