Local authorities in Kirundo province have accused Rwanda’s navy for kidnapping two Burundian fishermen while on Lake Rweru on March 1st and 2nd around 21hrs local time, authorities say that the two fishermen who are Burundian nationals were kidnapped by the Rwandan navy forces and beaten and were released on the same night with injuries all over their body.
“They were able to land on the shores of the lake on the Burundian side at the Kinyinya sub-hill, Kumana hill; they have been evacuated and are on medical treatment at the Sigu Health Center, located on Sigu hill Nyagisozi Commune Busoni area,” a statement reads from the local officials.
The incident comes as Burundi and Rwanda are conducting dialogue to normalize the relations that deteriorated since 2015, when the political crisis erupted in Bujumbura leading to hundreds losing their lives and thousands fleeing to the neighboring countries.
Burundi accuses Rwanda of harboring the 2015 coup plotters who tried to oust Nkurnziza’s government, Rwanda also accused Burundi of sheltering the FDLR rebels who are accused of committing the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.