The visit was considered a step further towards normalizing bilateral relations that worsened in 2015, subsequently, halting free movements through the closure of two main borders namely; Nemba and Akanyaru that connect the two neighboring countries.
They are additional to small border points in Nyaruguru, Gisagara and Rusizi districts.
The two main borders were used by cargo cars, public buses, private cars and pedestrians involved in informal cross border trade.
Even though, citizens from both countries have been raising concerns over losses related to the closure of borders for over six years, officials are optimistic that the situation might return to normalcy in the near future.
Speaking to IGIHE recently on 8th January 2022, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda said that having ground for discussions between both countries on issues that resulted into the closure of borders should give hope.
“The future is brighter. Discussions are being held gradually to find solution for issues that ruined relations,” he said.
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Mukuralinda has attributed the delayed opening of borders to different reasons including ongoing discussions and COVID-19 related challenges.
“We should not forget effects of the pandemic. Borders cannot be opened haphazardly. There are numerous considerations to take into account. They can also be closed due to pandemic related reasons considering efforts expended in adherence to preventive measures on each side not necessarily linked to other issues,” he disclosed.
Mukuralinda expressed optimism that such issues will be fixed in the near future to reopen borders and revive free movements.
“I am confident that the problem will eventually be solved to reopen borders because no country can stand on its own […] It is apparent that both countries’ heads of state are making possible efforts to settle lingering problems to normalize the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesperson has stressed that both countries’ people need to abide by existing norms waiting for the reopening of borders.
“They need to be patient. Sometimes, mending political issues and foreign affairs might be attained through a long process compared to citizen’s expectations. It must be thoroughly planned for to provide long-lasting solution,” he said.
Figures from the Ministry of Trade and Industry show that industrial output exported to Burundi dropped by almost 40% between 2014 and 2015.
In 2014, Rwanda’s exports to Burundi were estimated at US$20 million, a number that has reduced to US$12 million.
Rwanda had exported to Burundi goods worth US$21.6 million in 2013.
Else, Rwanda imported agricultural commodities from Burundi including seeds, sardine fishes and traditional cooking oil known as ‘Amamesa’ and exported maize, wheat and cassava flour as well as sweet potatoes and milk.
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There has been a commendable progress to restore relations since General Évariste Ndayishimiye was elected Burundi’s President in 2020.
Towards the end of August 2020, both countries’ heads of military intelligence met at Nemba One stop border post to discuss issues of security along their common border.
The discussions were held under the auspices of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), a regional military framework under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and was aimed at finding solutions on security incidents along the common border that have strained the relations between the two countries.
The Heads of both the Rwandan and Burundian delegation said the meeting was a good opportunity for exchange on the existing security problems and finding solutions and will contribute to bring trust between the two countries.
In October 2020, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Vincent Biruta met with his Burundian counterpart Amb. Albert Shingiro and his delegation at at Nemba where they expressed willingness on restoring bilateral ties.
Last year in October 2021, Governors from Rwanda and Burundi held discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between both countries.
During the same year, Burundi handed over to Rwanda, 11 combatants of the National Liberation Front (FLN) apprehended on its land.
Through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) also handed over 19 combatants of RED-Tabara to Burundi. RED-Tabara is an armed group hostile to the Burundian government.
Among others; Premier Edouard Ngirente joined Burundians during celebrations of 59th Independence anniversary in July 2021.
At the time, President 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.
“I would like to let you know that this day is memorable to Burundians. I am pretty sure that no Burundian is unhappy today because our neighbors from Rwanda have come to stand with us,” he said.
Ndayishimiye told Premier Ngirente that the visit to Burundi impressed Burundians considering tensions that existed between both countries.
“Your coming has impressed Burundians due to tensions that have characterized both countries. I would like to tell you that we have a common saying both in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda […] Agafuni kabagara ubucuti ni akarenge [friendship is reinforced by reciprocal visits]. Today’s visit conveys a meaningful message,” he said.
As he addressed participants of the RPF extended National Executive Committee meeting in May 2021, President Paul Kagame also expressed optimism for normalized relations between Rwanda and Burundi.
“We want to live peacefully with Burundians, and Burundi has also shown the willingness to do so.”
Speaking to IGIHE recently, Mukuralinda said that both leaders willingness is promising for relations to go in right direction.
“The most important thing is to have the issue discussed at different levels including heads of state. The President of Rwanda might be in touch with his counterpart of Burundi as ministers of foreign affairs do the same. This is an addition to the presence of embassies,” he said.
“Citizens should be optimistic about the situation because issues are being discussed to find common ground. Most importantly, both parties tell the truth. Rwandans and Burundians express their concerns and sit together to discuss the way forward,” Mukuralinda added.
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