Burundi: Border Erosion Threatens Rusizi, Ruhwa Rivers

• Burundian authorities are concerned about gradual changes to their natural borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• An inspection by the National Commission for Border Demarcation found that riverbank erosion and human activities like farming and mining are altering the Rusizi and Ruhwa riverbeds.
• Governor Aloys Ndayikengurukiye of Bujumbura province has ordered strict enforcement of a 25-meter buffer zone along riverbanks, as per Article 5 of the Water Code.
• Measures include joint administrative and security missions, public awareness campaigns, and sanctions for non-compliant officials.
• This development has reignited discussions about Burundi's broader border management, including historical disputes with Tanzania.

Burundian authorities are now mandating the strict enforcement of Article 5 of Law No. 1/02 of March 26, 2012, which establishes a 25-meter buffer zone along all riverbanks.

Burundian authorities have issued a serious warning regarding the potential for gradual alterations to the nation's natural borders with both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The concerns stem from observed riverbank erosion and specific human activities, which officials believe could significantly impact the territorial boundaries defined by the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers. This critical situation was highlighted in an August 3, 2026, letter from Aloys Ndayikengurukiye, the governor of Bujumbura province, located in western Burundi. The communication, addressed to the district administrators of Ntahangwa, Mpanda, Bukinanyana, Cibitoke, and Mugina, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly for communes bordering Rwanda to the northwest and the DRC to the west and northwest.

An inspection mission conducted by the National Commission for Border Demarcation along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers between July 13 and 16, 2026, corroborated these fears. The mission's findings indicated that various activities undertaken on the riverbanks are likely contributing to shifts in the riverbeds, thereby progressively changing the border areas. The report specifically noted that both the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers have already changed their courses, now flowing more deeply into Burundian territory. This natural evolution is reportedly exacerbated by certain practices prevalent among riverside communities, which accelerate the erosion process. Among the activities identified are farming directly on the riverbanks, artisanal gold mining operations, brickmaking, and a general lack of protective measures for the banks. Furthermore, authorities expressed dismay that some administrative officials have either overlooked these damaging activities or, in some instances, even granted authorization for them to proceed.

In response to these findings and to safeguard Burundi's territorial integrity, a series of protective measures have been announced. These include the organization of joint missions, bringing together administrative officials, security services, and defense forces, to be deployed in the affected municipalities. The objective of these missions is to thoroughly assess the situation on the ground and to formulate coordinated decisions for remediation. Crucially, Governor Ndayikengurukiye has called for the rigorous application of Article 5 of Law No. 1/02 of March 26, 2012, which pertains to the Water Code. This specific article mandates a 25-meter buffer zone along all riverbanks, a critical provision for preventing further Burundi border erosion along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers.

To reinforce these protective measures, the planting of specific vegetation such as bamboo, reeds, and other plant species known for their ability to stabilize riverbanks has been strongly recommended. Conversely, all activities that pose a risk of damaging the riverbanks are to be strictly prohibited. District administrators have been tasked with initiating public awareness campaigns to educate residents about environmental protection laws and regulations concerning waterways. Regular monitoring of these areas is also required, with reports to be submitted to the relevant authorities. Significantly, sanctions have been announced for any administrative officials found to be non-compliant with these directives, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement effort against harmful Rusizi Ruhwa riverbank activities.

This recent decision by Burundian authorities has reignited broader discussions surrounding the management of Burundi's borders. While the immediate focus is on the Burundi Rwanda DRC border changes along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers, some observers have questioned the emphasis placed on these particular shifts. They point out that historical issues related to the delimitation of other borders, notably in the Bugufi region bordering Tanzania, continue to be subjects of ongoing debate and remain unresolved.

These questions highlight the complex and multifaceted history of borders within the Great Lakes region, which is characterized by intricate historical, legal, and diplomatic dimensions. Addressing and resolving these long-standing issues, including those related to Burundi territorial integrity rivers, will necessitate sustained dialogue and cooperation among the concerned states, conducted in full adherence to principles of international law.

Lawyers should advise clients operating or owning land near the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers in Burundi to immediately review compliance with Article 5 of the Water Code, particularly regarding the 25-meter buffer zone. Authorities are initiating strict enforcement and imposing sanctions on non-compliant activities like farming, mining, and brickmaking, which could lead to legal action or operational disruptions.

Source: Original reporting via Bujumbura news sources