Summary:

• Rwandan authorities assure Burundians no retaliation amid Burundi’s border closure. Deputy spokesperson Alain Mukularinda welcomes Burundians in Rwanda, advises against travel to Burundi. Border closure stems from Burundi’s accusations of Rwandan support for rebels

Rwandan authorities have reassured Burundians residing in the country that there will be no retaliatory measures in light of Burundi’s recent decision to close its border with Rwanda. Alain Mukularinda, the deputy spokesperson for the Rwandan government, conveyed this message during a press briefing in Kigali on Friday. Mukularinda urged Burundians in Rwanda to continue their daily activities without concern, emphasizing that the border closure by Burundi would not negatively impact them.

He stated, “Those who wish to return to their country are free to do so, and even those interested in visiting Rwanda are welcome as the Rwandan border remains open. Rwandans hold no issues with their Burundian counterparts.”

As a precautionary measure, Mukularinda advised Rwandans against traveling to Burundi, emphasizing that if a country expresses a lack of acceptance, there should be no consideration of visiting.

The border closure, initiated by Burundi on Thursday, was based on accusations that Rwanda supports Burundian rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda responded by expressing regret over Burundi’s unilateral decision, highlighting that it goes against the principles of the East African Community.