Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi continue to simmer following reports that dozens of Rwandans are being held incommunicado by Burundian authorities on suspicion of espionage, amid reports that Kigali has offered a safe haven to Burundian opposition members.

Bujumbura has accused Kigali of supporting rebel groups planning to wage war against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government, accusations that the Rwandan government has vehemently denied.

Diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Burundi have not been good over the past months after Kigali expressed concern over the violence in the country.

Burundi in turn accused Rwanda, which is hosting over 70,000 Burundian refugees, of allowing opposition members a safe haven to regroup and wage war against the government.

READ: Kigali says Burundi security situation affecting Rwanda

According to reports, over 50 Rwandans, mainly business people and travellers, picked up from different parts of the country by security agents, are languishing in Burundian jails without trial, on suspicion of espionage.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo said at the weekend that the government had raised the issue of the missing Rwandans with the Nkurunziza regime.

“The Rwanda government has raised the issue with Burundian government in many ways, including via its ambassador to Rwanda, our Embassy in Bujumbura and the Burundian Foreign Minister,” Ms Mushikiwabo said on Twitter.

Efforts to reach Burundian ambassador to Rwanda Alexis Ntukamazina were futile, but Rwanda’s envoy to Burundi Amandin Rugira confirmed that Burundian authorities have been notified on the issue of missing Rwandans who are reportedly being detained in Burundi.

Complaint

“We have formally communicated to the Burundian government on the matter with a list of names of people who are confirmed to be in custody, but the embassy is still getting names of more people thought to be detained here from relatives,” said Mr Rugira, without giving further details on when the suspected Rwandans will be released.

“We are following up the matter to see how this concern can be addressed.”

Rwandans living in Burundi or travelling to the country allege that they were targeted in the run-up to and after the July 21 controversial presidential election, particularly by security organs on suspicion that they were spying for the Rwandan government.

“We are targeted on a daily basis and subjected to random searches, day or night,” said Eugene Nyiridandi, a Rwandan phone dealer in the Burundian capital.

He said that the majority of the arrested Rwandans are business people who have been trading in the Burundian capital.

With tensions remaining high and violence in parts of the country at alarming levels after President Nkurunziza was sworn in for a contested third term, Burundian authorities have intensified their crackdown on suspected rebel collaborators.

In July, Burundian officials accused Kigali of supporting unidentified rebels who allegedly entered the country through the northern border neighbouring Rwanda. Several dozens of men captured were paraded before the media. Rwanda, however, downplayed the accusations.

But the arrests of Rwandans in Burundi signify that tension between the two neighbours remains at an all-time high, with Rwandans avoiding travelling to Bujumbura. The number of busses plying the Kigali-Bujumbura route has declined sharply.

Last week, it was reported that 30 Rwandans on board buses travelling to Bujumbura were ordered to disembark on different occasions, arrested and taken to unknown destinations. The development was confirmed by Rwanda’s ambassador.

Border crossing

According to immigration officials at Nemba and Kanyaru border posts, the number of Rwandans heading to Burundi has declined tremendously since April, even though it is slowly picking up. Rwandans are also cautioned against crossing to their neighbour to the south unless it is important business.

The two countries previously shared warm relations and depended on each other for cross-border trade while social relations thrived. But in recent months, Burundian authorities have expressed animosity towards Rwandans.

Asked if Rwanda would also take similar tough measures against Burundians entering Rwanda, Ms Mushikiwabo downplayed any such action, saying that the peoples from the two countries remain brothers and sisters.

“You see, Burundians are our brothers and sisters. No ultimatums. We speak the same language, they understand it’s unhelpful. Burundi has complex difficulties, no need to add Rwanda. In any case, Burundians are welcome to Rwanda any time,” she said.

Last week, Amnesty International accused the Burundian government of using torture and other inhuman practices against those thought to be opposing President Nkurunziza. Several Rwandans too have been reportedly tortured on suspicion that they are spying for the Rwandan government.