Burundian President, Evariste Ndayishimiye recently said that relations with Rwanda will be restored after sending individuals behind failed coup plot to overthrow former President Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015.

Premier Ngirente has told the media that discussions about the issue are ongoing.

“The issue is being discussed where negotiations have reached an advanced stage. I am not going to be specific on individuals to be exchanged but I would like to tell you that there is a room for negotiations about a particular issue when two governments are committed to do so,” he said.

Dr. Ngirente highlighted that the Government of Rwanda and Burundi have been sending emissaries and observed that a new page for bilateral relations is being turned.

“I cannot talk about it deeply as there are issues being sorted out. However, I want to assure you that our relations with Burundi are on the mend that borders will also be reopened in the near future. There is optimism. It is a decision taken by both countries to normalize relations,” he noted.

In March 2022, President Paul Kagame sent a message to his counterpart of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye. The message on restoring relations was delivered by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Major General Albert Murasira at his palace in Gitega.

On 10th January 2022, President Paul Kagame also received a delegation led by Burundi’s Minister in charge of EAC Affairs, Youth, Culture and Sports, Amb. Ezéchiel Nibigira with a message from his counterpart Évariste Ndayishimiye.

At the time, Rwanda’s Presidency revealed that these leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations.

Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente has said that Rwanda and Burundi are in advanced stage of negotiations on deportation of individuals behind failed coup plot in 2015.