Burundi President Warns of Regional War Over Rwanda Crisis.
Burundi's president accused Rwanda Friday of fueling unrest across East Africa, warning the region risks sliding into war.
"Rwanda must be stopped for its meddling," President Évariste Ndayishimiye told diplomats in Bujumbura. "We will defend our sovereignty and our people."
The sharp words came at a New Year gathering with foreign officials. Ndayishimiye said Rwanda backs rebel groups in eastern Congo, including RED-Tabara fighters who launch raids into Burundi.
Burundi closed its Rwanda border last January over these claims. Rwanda denies supporting any rebels.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe fired back, accusing Burundian forces of working with militias tied to Rwanda's 1994 genocide. He said Burundian troops failed to stop attacks on Tutsi villages in Congo last October.
"This threatens the entire region," Ndayishimiye said. "Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya - all face danger." He pointed to South African peacekeepers fighting in Congo, proving the crisis spread far.
The president slammed world leaders for staying quiet about Congo's violence. "If no one acts, each country stands alone against this crisis," he said.
Burundi backs Congo's army against armed groups. Ndayishimiye pledged to keep fighting threats to regional peace.
He asked Belgium and Germany, Burundi's former rulers, to support the country's growth plans through 2060.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi remain tense despite past peace efforts. Experts fear the dispute could pull more nations into fighting without outside help to calm tensions.
Burundi's president accused Rwanda Friday of fueling unrest across East Africa, warning the region risks sliding into war.
"Rwanda must be stopped for its meddling," President Évariste Ndayishimiye told diplomats in Bujumbura. "We will defend our sovereignty and our people."
The sharp words came at a New Year gathering with foreign officials. Ndayishimiye said Rwanda backs rebel groups in eastern Congo, including RED-Tabara fighters who launch raids into Burundi.
Burundi closed its Rwanda border last January over these claims. Rwanda denies supporting any rebels.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe fired back, accusing Burundian forces of working with militias tied to Rwanda's 1994 genocide. He said Burundian troops failed to stop attacks on Tutsi villages in Congo last October.
"This threatens the entire region," Ndayishimiye said. "Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya - all face danger." He pointed to South African peacekeepers fighting in Congo, proving the crisis spread far.
The president slammed world leaders for staying quiet about Congo's violence. "If no one acts, each country stands alone against this crisis," he said.
Burundi backs Congo's army against armed groups. Ndayishimiye pledged to keep fighting threats to regional peace.
He asked Belgium and Germany, Burundi's former rulers, to support the country's growth plans through 2060.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi remain tense despite past peace efforts. Experts fear the dispute could pull more nations into fighting without outside help to calm tensions.
