Kagame, Ndayishimiye signal new chapter in Burundi-Rwanda relations
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has indicated his readiness to meet with his Burundian counterpart, Evariste Ndayishimiye, to see how the two countries can further strengthen their relationship.
President Kagame made the remarks in a letter to President Ndayishimiye in response to an invitation he had given him to attend the 59th anniversary of Burundi’s independence.
The letter, released by the Office of the President of Burundi, Ntare Rushatsi on July 2, 2021, shows that President Kagame is pleased with the invitation of his counterpart, however he told him that he will not be available but will send Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente to represent him.
According to the letter, President Kagame further said that Burundi and Rwanda should revive the historic ties between the two countries.
Concluding the letter, President Kagame said he is ready to meet with his Burundian counterpart.
President Kagame’s message offers hope for a revival in bilateral relations while also President Ndayishimiye has on Thursday, July 1, 2021, announced that a “new chapter” is going to be opened in Rwanda and Burundi relations.
President Ndayishimiye said Rwanda’s solidarity with Burundi in celebrating independence is a source of joy for Burundi.
“I would like to inform you that today is a happy day for Burundi, I know that no Burundian is unhappy today because even our relatives from neighboring Rwanda have come here to support us.”
He further told Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente, who represented Rwanda at the event, that his visit to Burundi had been hailed by the people of the country as a miracle due to the long-running conflict between the two countries.
President Ndayishimiye said this is a sign that Rwanda and Burundi are going to write a new book on bilateral relations.
President Ndayishimiye asked Dr Edouard Ngirente to tell President Kagame and the Rwandan people that his visit left him with great confidence in the good relations between the two countries.
Since 2015, Rwanda and Burundi have been at loggerheads since the two countries accused each other of supporting militant groups.