In response, the Office of the Government Spokesperson issued a statement on Friday, refuting the allegations and stating, “there is no truth whatsoever in Burundian President’s allegation referring to Rwanda.” The statement emphasized that Rwanda is not associated with any Burundian armed group.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries since 2020, the statement mentioned Rwanda’s cooperation in handing over Burundian combatants through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism. In 2020, Rwanda delivered nearly 20 rebels and their ammunition to Burundi after intercepting them in southwestern Rwanda, having crossed into Rwandan territory.
The Government of Rwanda urged Burundi to address concerns through diplomatic channels for amicable resolution. The December 22 attack was claimed by RED-Tabara, which asserted that they targeted security forces, not civilians. President Ndayishimiye linked members of the armed group to the 2015 coup attempt against his predecessor, late President Pierre Nkurunziza.
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