Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed concerns about security issues in East Africa, particularly the role of Rwanda, during a meeting with diplomats on January 31. He accused Rwanda of destabilizing the region by arming and training Burundian refugees involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Burundian president warned that if Rwanda continued its actions, it could affect Burundi as well. However, he stressed that his country would not be drawn into a large-scale war.

Ndayishimiye pointed out that the growing unrest in the DRC posed a threat to the entire region, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond.

He emphasized that the insecurity in eastern DRC had widespread effects, extending far past the immediate neighbors. In his speech, he called on the international community to intervene, criticizing the lack of action and cautioning that the situation might worsen without prompt measures.

These remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Burundi and Rwanda. Early in 2024, Burundi had closed its land borders with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting the RED-Tabara rebel group operating in eastern DRC. Rwanda has denied these claims. Despite occasional efforts to improve relations, distrust between the two nations remains high.

Burundi is actively working with the DRC to combat armed groups in the region and strongly opposes any external support for rebel movements. Ndayishimiye also mentioned that countries further away, such as South Africa—whose troops are deployed in the DRC as part of the SADC mission—were feeling the effects of the crisis.

He warned that without a coordinated response, every country in the region might end up dealing with the consequences on their own.

Amid these heightened tensions in the Great Lakes region, Burundi maintains a watchful stance against perceived threats at its borders.