Burundi: Protests against neighbouring Rwanda ahead of relocation of Burundian refugees

Thousands of Burundians staged a protest against Rwanda over what they termed as open aggression against Burundi.

The demonstrations organised by the Burundian government on Saturday have taken place in more than 100 provinces in the country.

The country is accusing Rwanda of supporting a rebel group that has been recruiting Burundian refugees in the country, with the aim of ousting President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The charge has however been dismissed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s government has announced that it plans to relocate Burundian refugees to other countries after the accusation.

In a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Rwanda will begin working with partners from the international community to plan the orderly and safe relocation of Burundian refugees.

The U.N. Refugee agency in Rwanda has however said it has not been informed of Rwanda’s plan.

“I think that the government should make such clarifications public as soon as possible to prevent panic on the part of refugees,” said Martina Pomeroy, External Relations Officer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Rwanda

More than 70,000 Burundians have sought refuge in Rwanda, with about 25,000 seeking refuge in Kigali.

The European Union is expected on Monday to announce the suspension of direct aid to the Burundian government as it is not satisfied with the country’s progress.