Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Edouard Bizimana, met with the Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions, as well as Representatives of Regional and International Organizations accredited to Bujumbura. The purpose of this meeting was to present Burundi’s official position regarding the recent provocation by Rwanda, which launched bombs on Burundian territory.
His Excellency the Minister reaffirmed that the security of Burundian territory remains an absolute priority. He deplored the recent indiscriminate attacks carried out by Rwanda, disguised as the M23, which tragically caused death of two people, including a 12-year-old child, in the commune of Cibitoke , Rugombo zone . Burundi deeply condemns Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of playing a double game, and emphasizes more than ever the importance of collective action to safeguard regional stability.
His Excellency the Minister emphasized that, despite the signing of the agreements of December 4, 2025, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda aimed at ending violations, these violations persist. Rwanda continues to deploy soldiers and attack positions of the Burundian National Defense Forces, present in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a peace and security support mission. He took this opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the Burundian soldiers deployed in the DRC for their efforts to keep peace and prevent any aggression against the national territory.
Furthermore, he reiterated that Burundians remain committed to defending their country and honoring agreements made with other nations. He also reaffirmed their support for any initiative aimed at promoting peace and security in the region, in the hope of ending the conflicts attributed to Rwanda.
Regarding Rwanda’s request for the withdrawal of Burundi’s National Defense Forces from the DRC, Ambassador Edouard Bizimana was categorical: as long as their mission is not completed, this withdrawal is not being considered. He added that only the DRC, Burundi’s partner in this engagement, is authorized to decide on a possible end to this mission.
Ambassador Edouard Bizimana called on international organizations to closely monitor the evolving situation. He reassured the Burundian population, affirming that the security of the country and its borders is fully guaranteed.
He welcomed the cohesion and determination of the Burundian population, who remain united behind their army, which is committed to peacekeeping efforts. The Minister encouraged citizens to calmly pursue their development activities and not to give in to fear.
In conclusion, the minister reiterated that any attack targeting Burundian citizens or soldiers deployed in the DRC will never be tolerated. Although Burundi is not a party to the conflicts, but rather an actor committed to finding solutions, it remains determined to respond firmly and clearly to any attempt of territory violation.