The Government of Rwanda announced that it condemns the inflammatory and un-African statements made by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye during an event in Kinshasa on January 21, 2024.
On Sunday, January 21, in Kinshasa, DR Congo, the President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, held a meeting with over 500 youth.
In that discussion, President Ndayishimiye was heard telling the youth that the people of the region should live well, but the problem is those he calls bad leaders.
He emphasized to say that he is ready to continue the fight until the Rwandans start putting pressure on their leadership. This statement has been condemned by many Rwandans, especially on social media.
On the night of Monday, January 22, the Government of Rwanda released a statement saying that President Ndayishimiye, acting in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, in an event advertised under the banner of the continental organization, made several baseless and incendiary allegations aimed at inciting division among Rwandans, and further jeopardizing peace and security in the Great Lakes Region.
“Rwandans have worked diligently to strengthen unity and foster the country’s development. Young Rwandans have embraced this opportunity, taken ownership, and actively contributed to building a brighter future for themselves,” the Government of Rwanda added in a statement.
The Rwandan government continues to say that anyone trying to undermine this progress by calling on young Rwandans to overthrow their government is troubling. But for a leader of a neighboring country to do so, from an African Union platform, is deeply irresponsible and a flagrant violation of the African Union Charter.
The Government of Rwanda concludes the announcement by reminding that it has no interest in creating conflict with neighbors and it will continue to work with partners in the region and beyond to foster stability and continued development.
Rwanda deplores the inflammatory statements of Burundian President Ndayishimiye Évariste.