The announcement of the normalization of Rwandan-Burundian bilateral relations had raised the joy of the respective populations of the two countries, Rwanda and Burundi. Unfortunately, the Rwandan initiative to open the borders was not followed by the Burundian side.
The government in Gitega prefers to wait. It does not want to act contrary to its statements that the common borders with Rwanda could not be reopened before the extradition of the 2015 coup plotters. The latter have political refugee status. They are automatically entitled to international protection under the 1951 Convention. Both countries are State Parties to this convention.
In response to the Burundian government’s concern for its security, two proposals have been put on the table. One is a guarantee to keep an eye on Burundian refugees. The second is to hand them over to another country to keep them away from the region.
The latter option seems to have been adopted. Some of the coup plotters have already found another host country. They have even left Rwandan soil. Others are leaving soon. A refuge under other skies, further away from the region, has already been found.
Today, more than ever, the two ‘cousin’ peoples, as the Burundian Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, so aptly put it, are ready to find the peace and stability necessary for sustainable economic development.
The current Burundian government, under the leadership of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, is more realistic, pragmatic and open to dialogue. On the Rwandan side, the same will is driving the leadership.
It is high time to transcend differences, to put aside hatred and to put the interests of the two brotherly peoples first. The CNDD and the RPF-Inkotanyi can return to the good old days. The success of African integration depends on peace between neighbours, and therefore the free movement of goods and people.
In politics, there are no friends. Only interests count. And God knows how many interests there are. He gave the Burundians and Rwandans neighbouring territories and almost the same language after the Tower of Babel was built. He will remain so until the end of time!
Gérard Rugambwa
