Kigali, September 24, 2025 – A Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldier has been arrested in Burundi after inadvertently crossing the Gasenyi–Nemba border, in what the RDF described as an “unfortunate common border incident.”
According to an RDF statement released, Sgt. Sadiki Emmanuel, a driver with the force, strayed across the boundary on Wednesday and was apprehended by Burundian Police. He is currently detained at Kirundo Police Station in Busoni commune, Butanyera Province.
The RDF expressed regret over the incident and indicated it would pursue diplomatic channels with the Government of Burundi to secure the soldier’s return.
The arrest comes at a delicate moment in Rwanda–Burundi relations. Ties between the two countries remain tense following Burundi’s closure of its border with Rwanda, a move that further strained already sour diplomatic ties.
Analysts note that even a minor incident, such as a soldier inadvertently crossing the border, carries symbolic weight given the fragile state of affairs.
Diplomatically, this case may test both sides’ willingness to manage disputes through dialogue rather than escalation. For Rwanda, securing the safe return of Sgt. Sadiki will be a priority, while Burundi’s response will be closely watched for signs of whether it intends to maintain its hardline posture or show flexibility.
