Rwandan and Burundian Security Officials Hold High-Level Talks After Uvira Takeover

Uvira/Rwanda-Burundi Border - December 18, 2025

In the wake of the AFC/M23 coalition capture of Uvira, senior Rwandan and Burundian security officials convened a high-level meeting at the border to discuss tension reduction and regional security. Details of the meeting were confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe.

The meeting, held on December 15, 2025, included top Rwandan officials such as NISS Secretary General Havugiyaremye Aimable, his deputy Brig Gen Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, and Deputy Director of Military Intelligence Brig Gen François Regis Gatarayiha.

Burundi was represented by Director of Intelligence Maj Gen Ildephonse Habarurema, Deputy Director of Police Brig Gen Emmanuel Ndayiziga, and Director of Military Intelligence Jean d’Affaires Manirakiza.

The talks occurred amid heightened tensions after Burundi accused Rwanda of firing in Cibitoke, a claim Rwanda denied, stating instead that Burundian troops fired in Kamanyola, prompting many Congolese civilians to flee into Rwanda.

The capture of Uvira led Burundi to close its border with the DRC at Gatumba and Vugizo, citing security concerns as Burundian troops had been directly involved in fighting in the Rusizi Valley and other parts of South Kivu. At the height of the conflict, approximately 20,000 Burundian soldiers were reportedly deployed in South Kivu. Following the Uvira takeover, some troops returned home, others moved to areas including Baraka in Fizi territory, while some remained near Minembwe.

During the December 15 meeting, Rwandan officials assured Burundi that Rwanda would not attack, but emphasized that Burundian forces should withdraw from South Kivu and step back from the ongoing conflict.

According to information obtained by IGIHE, on the night of December 15-16, many Burundian troops left Baraka and the Mboko Center, crossing Lake Tanganyika. Six trucks reportedly transported the soldiers from Rumonge military port to Bujumbura, with soldiers appearing exhausted from long deployments. The repatriation operation was conducted in strict secrecy.

On December 18, a Burundian was arrested at Rumonge port while assisting with troop movements, suspected of espionage.

Despite the withdrawal of Burundian troops from the DRC, President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed continued concern, stating on December 19, 2025, that “the enemy is at the gates” and warning of threats from the north.

Minister Nduhungirehe indicated that additional meetings between Rwanda and Burundi could take place in the future, aiming to restore stable relations between the two countries and the wider region.