It was revealed on Friday 25th March 2022 during a press conference with spokespersons of different public institutions in Burundi where the reopening of borders was among topics of discussions.
The Spokesperson of Burundian President, Evelyne Butoyi revealed that relations between her country and Rwanda are being mended gradually evidenced through the exchange of messages between both countries’ Heads of State.
She emphasized that they are working hard to open borders on the side of Burundi for interests of both countries’ people.
“Remember that Rwanda opened borders taking into account the situation of COVID-19 because they had pledged to fight the pandemic. The border on Rwandan side has been already opened. Let us wait patiently because the situation is in that direction. This is all we want. They are making possible efforts to facilitate the free movements,” she affirmed.
Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022 after long time of closure due to COVID-19 related restrictions and misunderstandings between Burundi and Uganda.
At the time, passengers started crossing through Gatuna and Cyanika borders but Akanyaru border connecting Rwanda and Burundi remained closed as Rwandans were not allowed to cross.
Burundi started blocking passenger vehicles from Rwanda since 2016. Burundians continued to cross to Rwanda safely but Rwandans would not be cleared to cross on the Burundian side.
As COVID-19 emerged in March 2020, Rwanda closed all land borders until the recent reopening announcement.
The borders’ closure does not only affect cross border traders but also has become a regional issue.
Currently, goods from Uganda to Burundi are transited through Tanzania yet Rwanda would be a shortcut.
A delegation of 200 investors from Uganda which visited Burundi recently, requested the country to open borders with Rwanda to facilitate trade.
The fact that Rwanda accommodates suspects behind the failed coup plot in Burundi in 2015 was reported to be among reasons why the country is relenting to open borders.
Butoyi said, the Government did not welcome the decision but highlighted that it has nothing to do with the opening of borders.
Despite political mishaps that existed between both countries, the current situation is promising for normalized relations.
Recently on 15th March 2022, President Paul Kagame send a message to his counterpart of Burundi delivered by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
The visit came after President Paul Kagame received a delegation led by Burundi’s Minister in charge of EAC Affairs, Youth, Culture and Sports, Amb. Ezéchiel Nibigira with a message from his counterpart Évariste Ndayishimiye on 10th January 2022.
In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified. Since then, Burundi has been accusing Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
The political mishap later halted cooperation and free movements between both countries.
Since Burundian President Ndayishimiye was installed in 2020, the situation has been improving gradually to bring relations back to normal for mutual benefits.
Speaking during the celebration of 59th Independence Anniversary last year, Ndayishimiye said it was time to mend political tensions that ruined relations with Rwanda since 2015.
The ceremony was also attended by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente representing President Paul Kagame.
Ndayishimiye revealed that the representation of Rwanda during the ceremony induced pride to Burundians and considered it the beginning of a new page for both countries relations.
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