Panafrican News Agency

Burundi and Rwanda revive security cooperation

Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The extradition on Friday of 19 alleged Burundian rebels captured in Rwanda in September 2019 has revived security cooperation between the two countries, which observers say have been accusing each other of mutual destabilisation for more than six years.

The identity of the rebels has not been disclosed, however, but it is known that several Burundian rebel movements have proclaimed themselves in the shadow of the 2015 political crisis, some of them still having set up rear bases in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Burundi still strongly demands the extradition of military leaders who retreated to Rwanda after their failed coup attempt in 2015.

This tension between Burundi and Rwanda was raised at the 19th Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), held on Friday by video conference.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye particularly insisted on the extradition of the alleged coup plotters who hosted by Rwanda to be brought to justice in their country of origin.

President Ndyishimiye also welcomed the stability regained on the common border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

-0- PANA FB/JSG/BBA/AR 31July2021