The Government of Burundi has announced the opening of all borders with neighbouring countries including Rwanda which have been closed for long following tensions between the two countries.

The development has been disclosed to the public by Burundi’s Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security via Twitter.

“All borders between Burundi and neighbouring countries are open,” reads part of the statement posted on Twitter.

The move was welcomed by Rwandans and Burundians who have been eagerly awaiting for the reopening of borders to ease free movement following tensions that escalated in2015.

Burundi accused Rwanda of supporting coup plot suspects who attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza. Rwanda repeatedly rejected the allegations but accused Burundi of supporting security threat architects and armed groups intending to destabilize Rwanda.

Bilateral relations took a new shape through discussions to de-escalate tensions since 2020 when President Evariste Ndayishimiye took power.

The closure of borders halted free movement between both countries’ people and incurred losses for traders running businesses in Burundi and Rwanda.

Trade between Rwanda and Burundi has dropped from US$20 million per year in 2014 to US$0.01 in the third quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, Rwanda closed the border with Burundi as COVID-19 emerged in March 2020.

On 7th March 2022, Rwanda reopened all land borders but Burundi did not do the same.

AE News