The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that the country’s parliament acted unconstitutionally when it rejected an independent panel report on the Phala Phala matter involving Ramaphosa, reopening the possibility of impeachment proceedings against the head of state.
Citing a statement from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, the South African Government News Agency reported that the parliament will comply with the court’s decision and restart the Section 89 process related to the independent panel report into the Phala Phala farm matter.
The matter relates to the alleged theft of about 580,000 U.S. dollars from Ramaphosa’s private game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020, which later sparked public controversy over whether the funds were properly declared and reported to authorities.
Didiza said that she would determine the program, timelines and institutional support necessary to ensure the impeachment committee completes its work effectively, fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and National Assembly rules.
Details regarding the committee’s composition and operational arrangements are expected to be announced through official channels in due course.
The independent panel, chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence suggesting possible constitutional and legal violations by the president in relation to the Phala Phala matter.
In response, Ramaphosa said Monday that he accepted and respected the Constitutional Court’s ruling, reaffirming his firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
In his address to the nation on Monday night, Ramaphosa insisted that he did not engage in wrongdoing. “Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022, I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money, committed any crime, nor violated my oath of office,” he said.
Ramaphosa said that from the beginning, he had committed to cooperating with all competent institutions, and such cooperation has continued through “all investigations and enquiries into the matter,” and will be sustained going forward.
Turning to the findings of the independent panel submitted in December 2022, Ramaphosa reiterated his disagreement with its conclusions and reasoning. He said that they were based on hearsay and that “no evidence, let alone sufficient evidence,” had been produced to support claims of constitutional or legal violations or serious misconduct.
In his address, Ramaphosa reiterated that he will not resign, saying “I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests.”
South Africa’s National Assembly will reopen impeachment-related proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa following a Constitutional Court ruling, local media reported Monday.
The ruling was delivered on May 11, 2026, with the court stating that there are substantial grounds to suspect him of assault causing bodily harm and insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
According to the complaint, Vuganeza was allegedly assaulted when he attempted to recover the debt, leading to charges related to assault and bodily harm.
Investigators from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) summoned Gatete three times without success. Prosecutors further allege that during his arrest, he tore up an arrest warrant (“mandat d’amener”) presented to him by law enforcement officers, resulting in an additional charge of insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
During the hearing, Gatete denied personally assaulting the complainant, claiming that any physical confrontation involved his employees rather than himself. He also argued that the arrest warrant was accidentally torn while officers were handcuffing him.
However, the court found that witness testimonies placed Gatete at the scene and concluded that the evidence gathered during investigations constituted strong grounds for suspicion.
The court further ruled that provisional detention was necessary, citing concerns that Gatete had previously failed to comply with investigative summonses and could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
On May 10, 2026, a statement posted on Gatete’s X account expressed regret over the incident and apologised for his conduct.
“I regret and apologise for falling short of the behaviour that is expected of me. I own up to all my mistakes and commit to acting differently going forward,” he wrote.
Journalist Mazimpaka Magnus later shared two letters online, one from Gatete apologising to authorities and another from Vuganeza confirming that he had received the outstanding Rwf800,000, along with an additional Rwf100,000 to cover related expenses.
In his letter addressed to the Head of RIB and the Prosecutor General, Gatete acknowledged failing to respond promptly to initial summonses, attributing the delay to bereavements within his family.
Vuganeza, meanwhile, stated that he wished for the matter to be resolved amicably and requested the withdrawal of his complaint.
Under Rwandan law, insulting or obstructing judicial officials, including investigators, prosecutors, and judges, can result in a prison sentence of between one and two years, as well as fines ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million upon conviction.
Intentional assault causing bodily harm carries a sentence of six months to one year in prison and fines ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf300,000 if convicted.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
Held under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnership for Innovation and Growth”, the summit, which closes on Tuesday, seeks to deepen cooperation between Africa and France in trade, investment, and technology, with a strong focus on shifting toward a more investment-driven and innovation-led partnership.
A key highlight of President Kagame’s participation will be his role as co-chair of a high-level roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. The discussion is expected to explore Africa’s growing role in shaping global digital policy and accelerating innovation-led development, an area where Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a continental leader.
In addition to the AI session, President Kagame is expected to address a plenary session bringing together African and French chief executive officers, where discussions will focus on green industrialisation and energy transition. These themes form part of a broader agenda aimed at advancing sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The Africa Forward Summit brings together more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 African Heads of State and Government, alongside more than 2,000 business leaders, innovators, and development partners. It also marks the first time such a high-level Africa-France forum is being held in an English-speaking African country.
Organisers say the summit represents a strategic shift away from traditional aid-based relations toward “bankable investments” designed to attract private capital and support commercially viable projects across African economies. Key stakeholders include governments, private sector actors, African multilateral institutions, and global financial partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Youth engagement is also central to the summit, with around 500 young leaders expected to participate in a dedicated dialogue with Presidents Kagame, Ruto, and Macron. The discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, technology, and the role of young Africans in global decision-making.
The summit will further feature thematic roundtables on agriculture, health, rural development, and energy access, reflecting what organizers describe as a results-driven development agenda.
Rwanda is expected to feature prominently in discussions on artificial intelligence, underscoring its growing influence in digital innovation and technology-driven development on the continent. The cultural and creative industries will also be highlighted, with internationally recognized Rwandan artist Sherrie Silver among participants contributing to conversations on youth empowerment and economic transformation.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Future Africa-France Cooperation, outlining a new framework for partnership between Africa and France.
President Paul Kagame arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, May 11, where he joins other Heads of State and Government from across Africa for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The framework, presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, outlines the country’s spending and revenue priorities over the 2026/27 to 2028/29 period.
It also reflects a significant increase of Rwf 844.2 billion compared to the revised 2025/26 budget, signaling expanded government investment in key sectors. Murangwa said Rwanda’s economy continues to show resilience despite global uncertainties.
“Rwanda’s growth momentum remains strong, despite a challenging environment caused by war in the Middle East, climate change effects, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, among other factors,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive growth through investment in strategic sectors.
According to the framework, the Rwf 7.8 trillion budget will be financed mainly through domestic revenue, which is projected at Rwf 5,273.8 billion. This includes Rwf 4,429.1 billion in tax revenue, Rwf 582.4 billion in other revenues, Rwf 138.8 billion in domestic financing, and Rwf 123.6 billion from financial assets. External financing will also contribute, with grants estimated at Rwf 548.3 billion and loans at Rwf 1,974.1 billion.
On the spending side, the government plans to allocate Rwf 4,779.1 billion to recurrent expenditure, including salaries and operational costs, while Rwf 3,017.2 billion will go toward capital investments.
The increased capital investment is expected to support major projects such as the construction of the New Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, the expansion of RwandAir, and continued subsidies for fertilizers to strengthen agricultural productivity and cushion external shocks.
The Budget Framework Paper also comes on the back of strong economic performance in 2025, when Rwanda recorded 9.4 percent growth, surpassing the earlier projection of 7 percent. Growth was driven by industry at 11 percent, services at 9 percent, and agriculture at 7 percent, reflecting broad-based expansion across key sectors.
Minister Murangwa noted that the government will continue prioritizing investments that enhance resilience and inclusive development, particularly in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and social protection.
The framework aligns with Rwanda’s long-term development vision under Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which emphasizes economic transformation, social development, and improved governance.
The full national budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year is expected to be tabled before Parliament in June 2026, where detailed sector allocations will be further debated and approved.
The framework, presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, outlines the country’s spending and revenue priorities over the 2026/27 to 2028/29 period.
The award was presented during the international “UCI Mobility & Bike City” conference held in Athens, Greece, from May 10 to 11, 2026.
The conference brought together city leaders and experts in urban mobility and transportation to exchange ideas on best practices and strengthen international cooperation in cycling and sustainable transport systems.
Rwanda was represented by the State Minister for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, and the president of FERWACY, Samson Ndayishimiye.
The “UCI Bike City” label is awarded to cities that demonstrate excellence in hosting major cycling events and promoting cycling-friendly mobility systems.
For Kigali, the recognition reflects Kigali’s growing vision of becoming a more people centred, active, and environmentally conscious city.
In February, UCI President David Lappartient said that by hosting the championship for the first time in Africa, Kigali had made history in the world of cycling. Kigali became the 31st city in the world to receive the award and the first in Africa to earn the distinction.
Rwanda is now the 17th country globally, and the first in Africa, to receive the recognition, highlighting the country’s achievements in organizing international competitions and promoting cycling, urban development, and quality of life.
Kigali became the 31st city in the world to receive the award and the first in Africa to earn the distinction.David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), presents the “UCI Bike City Label Award” to the State Minister for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, in recognition of the City of Kigali for successfully hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
The unveiling of the new leadership and the fund took place during the EADB Governing Council meeting held in Kampala, Uganda, where regional finance ministers and senior officials gathered to review the Bank’s performance and leadership transition.
In a press statement issued on Monday, May 11, EADB said the newly launched fund is part of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and aims to boost access to financing for women and youth-led businesses across the region.
Outgoing Governing Council Chairperson Matia Kasaija said the initiative reflects the Bank’s recognition of the role youth and women play in East Africa’s economic transformation.
“We recognise that youth and women are critical drivers of economic growth and innovation across East Africa. The establishment of this Fund is a strategic step towards scaling enterprises led by these groups through prudent and targeted financing,” Kasaija said.
He added that the fund will initially be financed from the Bank’s profits, while management has been directed to mobilise additional resources from development partners to ensure long-term sustainability and greater regional impact.
The fund announcement came as EADB reported strong financial performance for the year ended December 2025. The Bank posted a 51 percent increase in profit before tax, rising to $16.93 million from $11.20 million in the previous financial year.
EADB also reported significant expansion in its lending activities, with loan disbursements increasing by 140 percent and outstanding loans growing by 52 percent, indicating improved operational efficiency and loan portfolio performance.
Kasaija attributed the growth to the Bank’s enhanced ability to mobilise capital and deploy innovative financing solutions across member states.
“This strong performance is a testament to EADB’s enhanced capacity to mobilize resources and deploy innovative financing solutions. In the past year, we supported a more diverse range of projects across key sectors in our member states,” he said.
In line with the Bank Charter, the meeting also marked key leadership changes within the institution. Rwanda’s Murangwa officially succeeded Kasaija as Chairperson of the Governing Council.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi, was appointed Chairperson of the EADB Board of Directors for a two-year term, replacing Tanzania’s Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Natu Mwamba.
Other leaders who attended the meeting included Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi Ng’ongo, and Tanzania’s Finance Minister, Khamis Mussa Omar.
Established in 1967, the East African Development Bank serves Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, providing development finance aimed at promoting regional integration and socio-economic growth.
The East African Development Bank (EADB) has unveiled a new $13 million fund aimed at supporting youth and women-led enterprises across East Africa, while also confirming Rwanda’s Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Yusuf Murangwa, as the new Chairperson of the Bank’s Governing Council.The fund announcement came as EADB reported strong financial performance for the year ended December 2025. The Bank posted a 51 percent increase in profit before tax, rising to $16.93 million from $11.20 million in the previous financial year.Uganda’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi, was appointed Chairperson of the EADB Board of Directors for a two-year term, replacing Tanzania’s Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Natu Mwamba.
The move marked the second withdrawal by AFC/M23 from the region in recent months. In January 2026, the coalition pulled its fighters out of Uvira town and surrounding areas, redeploying them to northern localities including Sange, Lubirizi, Bwegera and Luvungi.
Before the latest withdrawal, AFC/M23 had called on the international community to deploy neutral monitoring forces in the area, arguing that the return of Congolese troops and Wazalendo militias would once again expose civilians to insecurity, as had allegedly happened before the coalition took control of the region.
However, with no neutral force deployed, AFC/M23 remained relatively close to Uvira. At the same time, the United States reportedly continued pressing the coalition to return to positions it occupied before fighting intensified in the Ruzizi Plain in December 2025.
Reports indicated that Washington wanted AFC/M23 fighters to pull back as far as Kamanyola Centre in Walungu Territory, a proposal that reportedly created a dilemma for the coalition, which maintains that many residents in the newly captured areas viewed it as a source of protection.
According to the coalition, the United States had assured AFC/M23 that if it withdrew within a distance of about 75 kilometers, neutral forces would then be deployed to freely monitor the vacated zones. Despite those assurances, confidence in such guarantees remained low.
The skepticism stems partly from previous AFC/M23 withdrawals, after which Congolese troops and Wazalendo militias quickly re-entered the areas. The coalition claims many civilians fled during those developments, while international actors, including the United States, remained largely silent.
AFC/M23 has also argued that since the return of Congolese forces, Wazalendo militias, Burundian troops and FDLR elements to Uvira, security conditions in the city have deteriorated, with civilians facing increasing insecurity.
On May 10, as AFC/M23 fighters withdrew from areas including Sange, Lubirizi and Kabunambo, some residents reportedly followed them out of fear of possible reprisals from opposing forces. Shortly afterward, Congolese troops and Wazalendo fighters moved in and took control of the vacated areas.
According to Radio Maendeleo, large numbers of AFC/M23 fighters were seen on the morning of May 11 in Luvungi Centre, occupying roads and sports grounds in the area.
Civilian movement between Uvira and Bukavu along the RN5 highway has meanwhile been disrupted due to the movement of AFC/M23 fighters and ongoing clashes near the road.
Prospects for the deployment of neutral forces remain uncertain. Current discussions are reportedly focusing instead on the possible deployment of ceasefire monitors from the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), who are expected to work alongside United Nations peacekeepers.
The agreement launching EJVM+ operations was signed in Montreux, Switzerland, in April 2026 during peace talks between the Congolese government and AFC/M23.
However, fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo, and no monitoring mechanism has yet publicly identified violations of the ceasefire.
Amid the ongoing tensions, AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7, accusing Washington of siding with the Congolese government.
Nangaa argued that Kinshasa had failed to honor commitments made during negotiations, including the release of 317 AFC/M23 detainees and the suspension of military offensives. He maintained that AFC/M23 had respected its own commitments, including releasing government prisoners and withdrawing from parts of Uvira and Walikale.
In December 2025, the United States and the Congolese government signed a minerals cooperation agreement. Nangaa alleged that Kinshasa was using the partnership as political cover while continuing what he described as a strategy of escalating the conflict.
On May 10, as AFC/M23 fighters withdrew from areas including Sange, Lubirizi and Kabunambo, some residents reportedly followed them out of fear of possible reprisals from opposing forces.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said the summit will bring together nearly 30 heads of state and focus on innovation, economic transformation, peace, and international finance. It marks the first time such a high-level gathering is being held in an English-speaking African nation.
“Nearly 30 heads of state are expected to attend the summit. Discussions will centre on peace and security, international finance and how African countries can benefit from it, as well as innovation. Industries and business companies from Africa and France will also take part,” he said.
Nduhungirehe noted that the summit will also examine mediation efforts aimed at promoting peace across Africa, migration challenges, and broader cooperation between African countries and France. He added that the discussions will be open and interactive, allowing participants to exchange views freely.
Rwanda is also expected to feature prominently in discussions on artificial intelligence, with President Kagame set to co-chair a high-level roundtable on AI, underscoring the country’s growing role as a continental leader in digital innovation and technology-driven development.
The cultural and creative industries are also expected to receive attention during the summit, with internationally recognised Rwandan choreographer and creative artist Sherrie Silver set to participate in discussions on the role of African creativity in economic transformation and youth empowerment.
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda’s participation reflects its strong ties with both Kenya, the host nation, and France, which co-organised the summit, as well as the country’s interest in advancing economic and diplomatic cooperation.
“As you know, Rwanda is a country that promotes innovation, economic transformation, trade, and investment. We will therefore participate in all discussions to ensure Africa continues to progress and that cooperation between Africa and France advances on the basis of mutual interests,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kenya on May 10 ahead of the summit. He stressed that cooperation between Africa and France should deliver mutual benefits and be built on mutual respect.
President Paul Kagame is expected to take part in the Africa Forward Forum, slated for May 11–12, 2026.Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, already in Nairobi for the summit, met Dr George Chaponda, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, multilateral cooperation, and sharing experiences in socio-economic transformation.
The event followed commemorative activities held in other Belgian cities, including Brussels, Liège, Bruges, Namur, and Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve.
As customary, the day began with a remembrance walk from Marnixplaats in Antwerp to the city’s Palace of Justice. At the venue, speeches were delivered by young people involved in organizing the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
The second part of the day took place in the Berchem district of Antwerp and featured the lighting of the Flame of Hope, speeches, testimonies, and commemorative songs performed by Lionel Sentore.
In his speech, Steve Rugamba, head of DRB-Rugali in Antwerp, thanked participants who had traveled from different parts of Belgium to join the commemoration and highlighted the significance of remembering.
“Remembering is not only about looking back at the past. Remembering is also about protecting our dignity. It is about reminding the world that no one should tell us who we are. No one should define our worth or rewrite our history in ways that diminish us,” he said.
Claire Kayirangwa, Secretary of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, speaking on behalf of the organization, reflected on the deep meaning of remembrance. She encouraged young people to continue carrying this history forward while rejecting hatred, which only leads to evil, and continuing to stand for truth.
She also paid tribute to the soldiers of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (Inkotanyi) who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi, stressing that without them, it would not be possible today to speak openly about this history. She further praised the role of President Paul Kagame in Rwanda’s development and in promoting national unity free from discrimination.
The third part of the day was marked by a night vigil led by Miheto Tatien, featuring testimonies, the screening of photographs of some victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and remembrance songs performed in an atmosphere of reflection and mourning.
Commemoration activities for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Belgium began on April 7, 2026, and will continue in the cities of Mons, Charleroi, Tournai, and Leuven.
Steve Rugamba, head of the Rwandan Diaspora – Antwerp section.Lina Mukandoli delivered a testimony through poetry.Kayitesi Chantal shared testimony about how she survived in Kibirira.Léna Rutagira and Charles Mwunvirangoma coordinated the second part of the commemoration evening.Claire Kayirangwa, representing Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, delivering the speech of the day.Yaowo, a politician and councillor in the City of Antwerp said that it is very important to commemorate and give space to the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, while also supporting the survivors they live alongside every day.Artist Lionel Sentore performed at the event.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique published on May 10, 2026, Ndayishimiye discussed the closure of the Gatumba and Vugizo border crossings between Burundi and DR Congo on the South Kivu side. He claimed the decision was linked to the proximity of M23 fighters near Burundi’s borders, alleging that the group operates with Rwanda’s backing.
According to Ndayishimiye, Burundi considers the presence of M23 fighters near its borders as a security concern, although he expressed hope that the Washington peace agreement would increase pressure aimed at ending the tensions.
The Burundian leader also repeated accusations that Rwanda supports RED Tabara, a group Burundi describes as a terrorist organization responsible for attacks inside the country. Rwanda has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that it does not support any group seeking to destabilize Burundi.
Under bilateral agreements signed between Burundi and DR Congo in 2022 and 2023, Burundi deployed more than 20,000 troops to South Kivu. The deployment was reduced in early December 2025 after M23 fighters captured several areas in the Ruzizi Plain and the city of Uvira.
Ndayishimiye maintained that Burundian troops were sent to DR Congo to assist Congolese forces against their enemies rather than to defend Burundi itself. He explained that the deployment was carried out under regional arrangements that assigned South Kivu as Burundi’s operational zone.
He further argued that despite efforts by regional actors, fighting continued because some countries failed to contain the conflict. According to him, only Uganda and Burundi remained actively engaged, with Burundian troops operating under the directives of the Congolese army.
Between 2022 and 2023, Burundi maintained two categories of troops in DR Congo. One contingent operated under bilateral agreements between Burundi and DR Congo, while another formed part of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had been deployed to separate warring parties and create conditions for peace talks.
The bilateral contingent, known as TAFOC, began operations in South Kivu in 2022 alongside Congolese forces against armed groups including RED Tabara, FOREBU, FNL and Twirwaneho.
Meanwhile, Burundian troops under EACRF were deployed to Masisi Territory in North Kivu in 2023. The regional force had not been mandated to conduct offensive operations but rather to position itself between M23 and FARDC forces in order to support de-escalation and encourage dialogue.
However, the Congolese government later requested that troops from Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan join military operations against M23. While the EACRF leadership rejected the proposal, Burundi increasingly aligned itself with FARDC and the Wazalendo militias.
At the end of 2023, the East African Community resolved to withdraw its regional force. Troops from participating countries returned home, but Burundi kept its forces in Masisi, where they continued operating alongside Congolese forces in a manner similar to deployments in South Kivu. The former EACRF Burundian contingent effectively became integrated into TAFOC operations.
Since November 2021, Uganda has also maintained troops in North Kivu and Ituri under “Operation Shujaa,” targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Although Ugandan troops serving under EACRF later withdrew, those operating under the anti-ADF arrangement remained in place.
Unlike the EAC regional force, whose mission focused on preventing clashes, both Burundian and Ugandan troops currently operating in DR Congo are deployed under bilateral agreements that permit combat operations.
Reports have also suggested that Ndayishimiye initially sought to avoid international attention regarding Burundi’s continued military presence in Masisi after the withdrawal of other EACRF troops. During a regional summit, while discussions emerged about Burundian soldiers allegedly captured by M23, he reportedly denied that the fighters were members of the Burundian army.
At one stage, Ndayishimiye claimed that the individuals presented by M23 as captured Burundian soldiers were in fact RED Tabara fighters because they spoke Kirundi. However, the explanation later faced scrutiny after the individuals were reportedly found carrying identification documents issued by the Burundian military.
Questions over alleged cooperation with FDLR
During the interview, journalist Romain Gras also raised Rwanda’s accusations that Burundi collaborates with the FDLR, a errorist group founded by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and which Rwanda accuses of threatening its security from eastern DR Congo.
In response, Ndayishimiye argued that he had previously asked President Paul Kagame to provide intelligence on FDLR positions, insisting that Burundi would attack the group if such information were made available.
He maintained that Burundi could not be accused of supporting FDLR without proof, arguing that military action against the group would demonstrate Burundi’s willingness to dismantle it.
When asked how Burundian troops could avoid cooperating with FDLR while operating alongside FARDC, which has repeatedly been accused of collaborating with the group, Ndayishimiye acknowledged that Congolese forces work with FDLR. However, he argued that Burundian troops operate separately under Congolese command structures and do not mix with those groups because each force has distinct operational methods and areas.
He also indicated that he had advised Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to avoid situations likely to fuel suspicions regarding cooperation between Burundian troops and FDLR.
Ndayishimiye further stated that regional leaders, including Tshisekedi, agreed on the need to fight FDLR, though he argued that limited operational capacity remained a challenge. He proposed coordinated military action involving Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi and Uganda against armed groups operating in the region, saying such cooperation could help reassure Rwanda about its security concerns.
Despite Ndayishimiye’s denials, reports by United Nations experts indicate that relations between Burundi and Rwanda deteriorated again in late 2023, accompanied by increased cooperation between Burundi and armed groups opposed to Rwanda.
Reports also emerged alleging that Burundian military officials met in Bujumbura with leaders of FDLR and CNRD-FLN to discuss plans related to destabilizing Rwanda.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has again attracted attention following false remarks on the strained relationship between Burundi and Rwanda.
