"To prevent war between our two countries, we are committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means. This is what we have been doing since 2020 when Burundi initiated dialogue with Rwanda. To this day, Burundi remains open to discussions with Rwanda to settle the issues between us," Ndayishimiye told diplomats in Burundi.

From threats to talks

Since late January 2025, Ndayishimiye had repeatedly declared his readiness to go to war with Rwanda. His fiery statements raised tensions in the already volatile Great Lakes region.

On January 31, he claimed Rwanda was planning to attack Burundi. While addressing diplomats, he said, "I am telling you, if things continue this way, war will spread across the region because the people will not allow this to happen. If Rwanda continues... the day they come to Burundi, we will not accept it."

The tensions further grew on February 11, when Ndayishimiye, speaking to residents of Bugabira Commune in Kirundo Province, again gave a stun warning to Rwanda.

"Be prepared, do not be afraid, we know them well. Since the monarchy, they have never defeated us. Do you think they can defeat us now? Remind them, ’Do you know where Kirundo stands? he questioned.

His remarks came amid fierce clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the M23 armed group was advancing against forces that included Burundian troops.

A shift in tone

The turning point came during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa on February 15 2025. Reports suggest Ndayishimiye faced pressure from other African leaders who warned him about the serious consequences of his inflammatory statements.

By the next day, he had softened his stance. In a post on X, he revealed that discussions with Rwanda’s allies had given him assurances that Burundi would not be attacked.

"After discussions with Rwanda’s allies, those hoping to benefit from a Rwandan attack on Burundi should abandon their plans. But to my fellow Burundians, stay alert and vigilant," he wrote.

Roots of the conflict

Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi flared in late 2023 when the RED Tabara armed group launched an attack in Gatumba Zone. This led Burundi to close its borders with Rwanda in January 2024.

Despite the rising hostility, Rwanda has consistently signaled openness to dialogue. In September 2024, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to engage in talks with Burundi.

"Rwandans and Burundians are brothers and sisters who should live together peacefully," he said.
Ndayishimiye’s latest statements suggest a step back from the brink. His willingness to return to the negotiating table marks a significant shift from his earlier threats of war.

Burundi's President Ndayishimiye has made a U-turn on his war threats against Rwanda.