BURUNDI ACCUSES RWANDA OF ARMED ATTACK, THREATENS RETALIATION

Burundi Warns Rwanda: We Reserve Right of Self-defence

By Our Correspondent, BUJUMBURA Burundi

Burundi accused Rwanda of sending troops earlier this month to attack one of its military positions and pledged to “use legitimate defence” if its northern neighbour continues the hostility.

Eight Burundian soldiers were killed when gunmen attacked their camp close to the Rwandan border on November. 16 this year.

The invaders retreated back into Rwanda after the attack, Burundi said.

“Burundi avails itself of this opportunity to warn Rwanda against these repetitive and multifaceted attacks against Burundi and wants the international community to take note,” the government’s spokesman, Prosper Ntahorwamiye, told reporters on Thursday in Bujumbura.

He warned “In case of recidivism, the government of the Republic of Burundi reserves the right of legitimate defence.”

The attackers overran Burundian military camp in Mabayi commune, Cibitoke province, neighboring Rwanda. Reports said 8 soldiers were killed, and many others injured.

Since the attack, Burundians on social media and other obscure sites have reported of the attack as extremely sophisticated. An armed gang or rebel group couldn’t have had such capabilities, according to reports.

Burundi reported past incidents of aggression to the United Nations, the African Union and the East African Community but none of the international organizations responded or censured Rwanda for the alleged actions.

“If nothing is done, such acts by Rwanda against Burundi constitute a threat to the peace and security of the entire African Great Lakes region,” Ntahorwamiye said.

On April 13 this year, President Kagame hosted Burundian counterpart Pierre Nkurunziza in Huye district, bordering Burundi. It is the last time they ever met

In rare pile up of pressure on Rwanda, the Burundians say the Nov 16 attack was the ninth since 2015 when a failed foup tried to oust President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Since 2015, Burundi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of involvement in the 2015 coup. 

Rwanda has ignored Burundi’s accusations. 

The Rwandan army’s spokesman, Innocent Munyengango, dismissed the allegation and asked Burundi for evidence. “If we were to do it, it would be in broad daylight,” he said by phone from the capital, Kigali. - Africa