By Zephania Ubwani
Arusha — Rwanda was yesterday accused of fomenting trouble in fellow East African Community (EAC) member state Burundi and worsening the turmoil which has claimed hundreds of lives.
Speakers at the public hearing of a petition filed by human rights groups accused Rwanda of “having a hand” in the conflict which has already impacted on regional integration programmes in the bloc.
“Rwanda is a party to the conflict,” said Mr Jacques Bigirimana, the president of FNL party, when the second round of hearing of the petition involving the government and political parties aligned to it started at 3pm, five hours behind schedule.
He said although the warring parties in Burundi were keen on national dialogue in a bid to end the political crisis, the country was under siege from what he called “destabilisation forces sponsored by Rwanda”.
Allegations directed at Kigali appeared to divide members of the Eala committee hearing the petition at the EAC headquarters as well as other legislators who have convened in Arusha for a routine session expected to commence today.
Some wanted to voice their views but were discouraged by the chairperson of the committee, Mr Abdullah Mwinyi from Tanzania, who chaired the session.
