Rwandan government denies backing rebels linked to Burundi attack

The Rwandan government has denied allegations that it armed a rebel group that carried out a grenade attack on Burundi’s economic hub Bujumbura.

“At least 38 people were injured in Friday’s attack. These terrorists were recruited, trained and even equipped with weapons in Rwanda and by Rwanda,” Pierre Nkurikiye, the spokesperson for Burundi’s interior ministry said.

Rwanda’s government dismissed the allegations on Sunday, saying it “has absolutely no connection with the attack and had no reason to be involved in it.“

Rwanda’s relationships with neighbouring nations Burundi and the DR Congo have become strained in recent years.

Both neighbours have accused Rwanda of funding rebel attacks in their countries, but Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations.