Burundi’s president has called neighbouring Rwanda an enemy in a letter to the Ugandan president.

Pierre Nkurunziza wrote to Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, who is chair of the six-nation East African Community (EAC), saying he regards Rwanda not as a partner but as an enemy.

President Nkurunziza wants a special summit of the EAC – which comprises Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan – to discuss the conflict.

Heads of state of the EAC are due to meet on 27 December – a change in plan after the Burundian delegation did not show up to the last meeting.

Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have gone from bad to worse in recent years.

Bujumbura accuses Kigali of backing a coup attempt in 2015 and of offering asylum to those who were involved.

BBC