Burundi's Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security (MIDCSP) presented citizen Clovis Ndayizeye to the press on Friday, July 31, 2026, to accuse Rwanda of harboring anti-Burundi militants. The ministry specifically accused Rwanda of supporting armed groups opposed to the Burundian government, with Ndayizeye's testimony serving as key evidence. Ndayizeye, originally from Bwiza zone, Mukaza commune, Bujumbura province, had been exiled to Rwanda's Mahama refugee camp in 2016. His public appearance and detailed account were orchestrated by the MIDCSP to show Burundi's long-standing allegations against its neighbor.
Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson for the ministry responsible for public security, stated that Ndayizeye's testimony "confirms the Burundi Government's recurring claims" regarding Rwandan support for armed groups. Nkurikiye emphasized the gravity of the allegations, reiterating that the Burundian government has consistently raised concerns about Rwanda hosting and facilitating such groups. Nkurikiye added that "no one can now hope to accede to power by arms," asserting that Burundi has chosen democracy, with citizens electing their leaders through established electoral processes. He underlined that the path to political power in Burundi is exclusively through democratic means, not through armed struggle.
Testimony of Deception and Recruitment
Clovis Ndayizeye stated in his testimony that he was extracted from the Mahama camp and transported to Kigali. There, he reportedly received military training before being dispatched to fight in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ndayizeye indicated that individuals presenting themselves as members of the MSD party are actively recruiting refugees, collaborating with Burundian soldiers who deserted in 2015. He described a systematic process of recruitment and indoctrination targeting vulnerable individuals within the refugee population.
In June 2026, Ndayizeye said refugees were transported in Rwandan military vehicles. These vehicles reportedly took them to South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where they were integrated into the ranks of the armed group Red-Tabara and welcomed by fighters identifying as belonging to the M23 movement. He further testified that they received three days of weapons training before being sent to the front lines. This brief training period, he explained, was followed by immediate deployment to combat zones. Ndayizeye stated that he realized he had been deceived about the true nature of his mission and the intentions of his recruiters, which prompted him to flee the group at the earliest opportunity. His escape, he detailed, was fraught with danger as he sought to distance himself from the conflict.
Government's Accusations Against Rwanda
Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security (MIDCSP), urged refugees in camps, particularly Mahama, not to be swayed by false promises of military training or political influence. He cautioned them against falling victim to manipulation by armed groups and their recruiters. Nkurikiye affirmed that Burundi's doors remain open for those who wish to return after being misled, offering a pathway for repatriation and reintegration into Burundian society. He reiterated that no one can hope to access power through armed means anymore, reinforcing the government's stance on peaceful political transitions. Nkurikiye also stated that Burundi chose democracy years ago, with citizens designating their leaders through elections, noting the country's commitment to democratic principles. Separately, Clovis Ndayizeye called on refugees still in camps and young people not to be manipulated. He urged them instead to dedicate their energy to the development of their country, contributing positively to its future.
Call for Refugee Returns
Clovis Ndayizeye issued an apology to Burundian authorities and the entire population for his involvement, however unwitting, in activities against the state. He urged refugees still residing in camps and young people not to be manipulated by groups promising false hope or military solutions. Ndayizeye advised them to dedicate their energy to the development of their country instead, advocating for constructive engagement rather than conflict. Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security (MIDCSP), also called on refugees in camps, particularly Mahama, not to be influenced by false promises from those seeking to destabilize Burundi. Nkurikiye affirmed that Burundi's borders remain open for individuals who wish to return after being misled, assuring them of a safe return and a chance to rebuild their lives. He reiterated that armed means are no longer a viable path to power, stating that Burundi embraced democracy years ago, allowing citizens to elect their leaders through a legitimate and peaceful process.