The Government of Rwanda, through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) on Friday, July 30 repatriated 19 Burundian combatants.

This move, witnessed at the one-stop border in Bugesera District comes nearly a year after the group was apprehended crossing into the Rwandan territory.

At the event, both governments were represented by each country's military intelligence chief.

Also present was the representative of the United Nations, the EJVM commander among other officials.

The group, together with their ammunition was paraded before the media before being handed over to the Burundian government.

Brig Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the Head of Defence Intelligence at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) led the Rwandan delegation, while his Burundian counterpart Col Ernest Musaba, led the Burundian delegation.

Presiding over the meeting, José Rui Lourdes Miranda, the EJVM commander, commended the continued mutual support for peace and security to realise economic development in the Great Lakes Region.

"I also want to acknowledge that it is a good sign of collaboration in achieving peace and security in the region."

This is the third known physical high-level meeting that has convened officials from both countries, as they look to restore strained relations.

On behalf of Rwanda, Brig Gen Nyakarundi commended the International Joint mechanisms' continued dedication and support to peace, security, stability and mutual trust in the region.

"It is against this background and in line with the commitment of Rwanda leadership, to ensure sustainable peace, stability and security of the Great Lakes Region, as well as enhancing good neighbourliness," said Gen Nyakarundi.

He shared similar sentiments with Col. Musaba who commended the co-operation between both militaries.

Strained relations

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in 2015 after the late President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected for a controversial third term for presidency.

In October the same year, Burundi expelled Rwanda’s top diplomat, Desire Nyaruhirira, over allegations of plans to destabilise the country, allegations that Rwanda denied.

Rwanda has been attacked several times by assailants from Burundi but the attackers were repulsed and retreated back into Burundi.

Previous reports from the UN experts have pinned the Burundian Government for training, arming and providing logistical support to rebels hostile to Rwanda.

More recently, however, officials from both sides have described the relations as 'progressive', especially following Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente's visit last month.

This was confirmed during a news conference this week when Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta highlighted ongoing efforts through formal and informal channels with the new Burundian leadership led by Maj Gen Evariste Ndayishimiye to restore ties of the two countries.