Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye issued a stark warning on Friday, vowing that his country would not hesitate to defend itself if the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is not deescalated . Speaking to diplomatic representatives in Bujumbura, Ndayishimiye expressed grave concern over Rwanda’s actions in the eastern DRC, accusing the country of arming and organizing young refugees in preparation for potential aggression.
“Burundi will not sit idle if this situation escalates further,” Ndayishimiye declared. “We will not accept war spreading across the region. We will defend our sovereignty if necessary.”
Ndayishimiye’s remarks were a direct response to what he described as a growing military threat from Rwanda, which has been involved in the conflict in eastern Congo for years. The president warned that if Rwanda’s military expansion continues unchecked, it could soon turn its attention toward Burundi, claiming that Kigali is already arming refugees in preparation to destabilize Burundi.
“If Rwanda continues its operations in the eastern DRC, it will not stop at there,” he warned. “We are already aware of their plans, and we are ready. Burundi is alert and will not allow this to happen.”
Ndayishimiye’s speech reflected a deep concern over the security of the Great Lakes region, he argued that instability in eastern Congo threatened not just Burundi, but also neighboring countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, all of which could face destabilizing effects if the situation worsens.
“If the international community allows the situation in Congo to deteriorate, we will be forced to act in our own defense,” the president added, underscoring his message of readiness to confront any potential threats.
The Burundian leader also took aim at international powers, urging the global community to take a stronger stance in preventing further escalation. “The world cannot afford to ignore the situation in the region. If the international community does not act, we will,” he said.
Ndayishimiye did not mince words about the potential for military conflict, suggesting that the situation in eastern Congo was already a powder keg ready to ignite. He expressed frustration over the ongoing violence and questioned why the issue could not be resolved without bloodshed. “Why sacrifice innocent people in the DRC? Why can’t this be solved peacefully?” he asked.
As part of his broader message, Ndayishimiye reiterated his proposal for a multinational coalition of foreign forces to secure the region and bring peace to both Rwanda and the DRC. He emphasized that a unified regional effort could bring stability, but only if all parties were committed to peace. “We need a coalition to guarantee peace for both countries, but it’s clear there are obstacles,” he said, alluding to what he described as complicity among certain international actors.
Ndayishimiye also recounted his engagement with the M23 rebel group, urging them to lay down their arms and enter into a peaceful resolution with the Congolese government. While the group initially agreed to cease hostilities, Ndayishimiye revealed that they later resumed fighting, further complicating efforts for peace.
“We cannot allow this to continue,” the president declared. “If necessary, we will act decisively. Burundi will not allow external forces to destabilize us.”
The president’s comments come as tensions in the region remain high, with ongoing military confrontations in eastern DRC between the Congolese army and the Rwanda backed M23 rebels group. The volatile situation has already had significant humanitarian consequences, with millions displaced and the United Nations declaring more than 700 people were killed in the last five days since M23 rebels captured Goma a key city in North Kivu province.
In his closing remarks, Ndayishimiye made it clear that Burundi would not allow external aggression to go unchecked. “If the international community is silent, we will act in our own defense,” he said, sending a resolute message that Burundi is prepared for whatever challenges may lie ahead.
