The Burundian army has announced the arrest of a Rwandan soldier, Sgt. Sadiki Emmanuel, after he crossed into Burundian territory without authorization. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 24, 2025, in Busoni Commune, Butanyerera Province.
According to a statement issued by the Burundian National Defence Forces (FDNB), Sgt. Sadiki Emmanuel, a driver in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), entered Burundian territory through an informal dirt path near the RN14 road connecting Gasenyi and Nemba. He reportedly advanced about 700 meters into Burundi.
FDNB stated that the soldier explained he had been returning from a bar near the Gako military camp in Rwanda and mistakenly took the wrong route, inadvertently crossing the border.
Sgt. Sadiki Emmanuel is currently being held in Kirundo as investigations continue, according to the Burundian military.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has also confirmed the soldier’s arrest and stated that discussions with the Burundian government are underway to secure his release. In its statement, RDF said:
“The RDF regrets this incident, which is among those that occasionally occur along the border, and we are engaging in meaningful discussions with the Government of Burundi to facilitate the return of the soldier.
