Uganda and Burundi: Kagame Ends Speculation on Ties, Borders

By George Kalisa

President Paul Kagame has said today that sooner than later the relations between Burundi and Uganda will be completely restored following current signs of the political will of the authorities in the two East African Community (EAC) countries. His remarks ended widespread speculation that has been doing the rounds recently in the regional media and social media platforms on the current state of diplomatic relations that have been cold for the last three years.

Categorically, the renewed envoys’ visits along a series of talks between authorities from both countries sparked heightened anxiety among inhabitants in EAC bloc, especially the business communities.  

“It is no longer news to you, our leaders and their Burundian counterparts met at the common border and shortly after President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s emissary delivered to me his message, and I believe following demonstrated “hunger” by our Burundian neighbours to strengthen ties, we will soon normalize relations, and citizens of both countries will soon co-exist as it was before,” said President Kagame.

President Kagame remarked while officiating the swearing-in of the newly appointed Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Ernest Nsabimana and Minister of State Eng. Patricie Uwase at the same ministry today.

On the border insecurity particularly in the forest astride the border – Kibira/Nyungwe previously used by gunmen to attack Rwanda and retreat into it. Kagame said the two countries are committed to addressing the issue, describing the situation as “menace” that can be contained.

Kagame said that he is happy there is breakthrough on the course of restoring relations.

On Uganda, Kagame said that it is far reaching to reopen the Gatuna/Katuna border before the problems that led to its closure are addressed, saying it was the initiative of Rwanda.  

“Recently, Uganda sent an envoy after holding discussions with other emissaries on the same issues without realizing a breakthrough. We, however, agreed on the steps to be taken to iron out the outstanding issues at the centre of the standoff in our relations,” said Kagame.

“We have been all along expressing our concerns with Ugandan authorities including hosting elements that seek to distabilise our country and our neighbours turned a deaf ear, and the recent attack on Kinigi where a few survivors ran into Uganda and we were told they were arrested, then how they reached DRC is another question, it’s a long story,” he added.  

However, Kagame revealed that there’s substantial evidence that Ugandan authorities are addressing the concerns that had led to the stalemate in relations and the border was reopened.

And, they two countries are on right path towards a complete restoration of the relations, said Kagame.   

He said that the only issue related to border crossings is COVID-19, adding that it is incumbent on both countries to protect the lives of their people.

“Thus, we agreed that health sectors in both countries come up with modalities and measures that ensure safety of the citizens. Otherwise, the border is open,” emphasized the President.   

Kagame said Rwanda wishes to have peace and stability within its borders and wishes peace for its neigbours and for the region at large.