Rwanda-Burundi tensions threaten regional stability

Subject

Rwanda-Burundi tensions.

Significance

Following months of angry exchanges, in late January, Rwanda issued a series of arrest warrants against individuals allegedly involved in armed opposition groups based in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It accuses Burundi of supporting those groups. Burundi in turn accuses Rwanda of supporting Burundian armed opposition groups in the DRC.

Impacts

• The tensions will put more strain on the East African Community, which has struggled to strengthen security and political integration.
• The tensions will be especially detrimental to Burundi’s economy, which has been crippled by years of turmoil and isolation.
• Rwanda-Uganda tensions have also risen over recent years, but there are indications that Rwanda may look to de-escalate here.