Ndayishimiye raises concerns over Ndikuriyo’s planned journey to Kigali

A planned trip to Kigali by Révérien Ndikuriyo, the president of Burundian football club Aigle Noir FC and secretary-general of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, has reportedly triggered concern within Burundi’s top leadership, highlighting the depth of political tensions between Burundi and Rwanda.

Ndikuriyo had planned to accompany Aigle Noir FC to Kigali for the second leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie against Sudanese side Al-Hilal.

The return fixture is scheduled to take place in Kigali on September 12, following the first leg in Bujumbura on September 5.

Aigle Noir has been preparing for the tie with a reinforced squad and recently held a 25-day pre-season camp in Dubai.

According to people familiar with the matter, President Évariste Ndayishimiye questioned the necessity of Ndikuriyo travelling to Rwanda with the team and reportedly asked him not to make the trip.

The reported intervention comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between the neighbouring countries.

Ndikuriyo had publicly indicated on August 22 that he was willing to travel to Kigali with Aigle Noir.

Speaking to journalists about the possibility, he suggested that his main motivation would be to support the club he leads, while acknowledging that his official responsibilities could ultimately affect his plans.

The significance of the planned journey goes beyond football.

Ndikuriyo is one of the most prominent figures within CNDD-FDD, making any high-profile visit by him to Rwanda politically sensitive at a time when relations between the two governments remain strained.

Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda in January 2024 after accusing Kigali of supporting the RED-Tabara rebel group, allegations Rwanda has denied.

The dispute has affected cross-border movement and contributed to a broader deterioration in relations between the two countries.

The tensions have previously spilled directly into African sport.

In March 2024, Burundi’s Dynamo Basketball Club was expelled from the Basketball Africa League after refusing to wear jerseys displaying the “Visit Rwanda” logo.

The club covered the logo during its opening match before forfeiting its next two games.

Under FIBA rules, two forfeits resulted in automatic withdrawal from the competition.

That episode demonstrated how diplomatic tensions can extend into sporting competitions involving teams from the two countries.

Ndikuriyo’s reported plans to spend time in Kigali therefore carry a significance that goes well beyond his role as a football club president.

For Aigle Noir, however, the immediate focus remains on the Champions League tie.

The club says it has strengthened its squad and completed extensive preparations ahead of the two-legged contest against Al-Hilal.

Whether Ndikuriyo ultimately travels to Kigali remains a politically sensitive question, but the controversy surrounding his proposed trip once again illustrates how deeply Burundi-Rwanda tensions.

Photos

Aigle Noir Football Club

Révérien Ndikuriyo.