The Burundian Minister of Justice Domina Banyankibona on Friday held talks with her Rwandan counterpart Emmanuel Ugirashebuja on issues of “common interests and cooperation”, a judicial source confirmed to APA in Kigali.
Reports said that two officials centered on mechanisms to extradite criminals from both countries among other issues.
So far Rwanda has handed over 19 suspects while Burundi on the other hand has handed over 11.
Speaking on the relationship between the two countries Banyankimbona said they both share historical ties that date many centuries back and the people of the two countries would love to see countries restored.
“The people of the two countries have not been able to travel across borders since 2015 because of various reasons but we are happy we are having bilateral cooperation between our countries to fix such issues,” she said.
The visit comes after Rwanda has reiterated its unwillingness to deport individuals accused of orchestrating the 2015 coup plot against former Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza in late 2015.
Burundi has already handed over a list of names of individuals to Rwanda it wants to be deported — as a major condition for relations between both countries to thaw — but Rwanda has insisted that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against
deportation by international laws.
The matter relates to the May 2015 failed coup against former president now deceased Pierre Nkurunziza, when army general Godefroid Niyombare and rebels attempted to depose him.
Relations between Kigali and Bujumbura appear to be on the mend since Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente,attended in July last year the 59th Independence Day celebrations of Burundi.
Since April 2015, Rwanda has received more than 70,000 Burundian refugees.
Among the refugees, there are politicians who are opposing the current regime, fighting against the recently contested election of former President Pierre Nkurunziza of the ruling CNDD-FDD (National Council for the Defense of Democracy)
CU/abj/APA