Dr. Biruta made the disclosure on Thursday 26th January 2023 as he briefed parliamentarians on the state of relations with regional countries.

Rwanda’s relations with Burundi deteriorated since 2015 after a failed coup plot in the country that saw Burundians fleeing to Rwanda.

Eight years later, the relations are good and were reinforced through different meetings bringing together officials from both countries to take them to a positive trajectory.

“The relations were gradually mended, we exchange visits and I personally led Rwanda’s delegation during the Independence Anniversary celebrated last year,” he said.

“There were different meetings bringing together provincial governors and the border was reopened [...] These developments constitute signs indicating that relations have been improving. Relations with Burundi soured for quite some time but we are getting back on track and we are optimistic that pending issues can be discussed to find a solution,” added Dr. Biruta.

For Uganda, Minister Biruta said that relations are at a commendable step where the 15th Joint Permanent Commission between Uganda and Rwanda is scheduled in March 2023.

On relations with Tanzania, Minister Biruta highlighted that both countries’ relations are vibrant where the implementation of signed cooperation agreements is ongoing.

He disclosed that relations with other regional countries including Kenya, South Sudan are also good.

On tensions between Rwanda and DRC, Minister Biruta shed light on circumstances that led to the current situation.

He said that the situation started worsening towards the end of 2021 when the fighting erupted between Congolese Army (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group.

DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, a claim which the latter has repeatedly rejected.

Minister Biruta has said that Rwanda enjoys cordial relations with regional countries except DRC.