Kigali — The governments of Rwanda and Burundi are set to put aside their historical differences on the ownership of areas that lie along the two countries' common border, the Foreign Affairs and Cooperation minister, Dr Charles Murigande, said yesterday.

Murigande said that the two governments were expecting a report from a joint team set up to study the issue and come up with recommendations. He said the matter would be resolved within the next three weeks.

"Our technical teams met three times and we (Foreign ministers) expect their report soon, after which a final decision would be reached," the minister told The New Times from his office.

"During our last joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation meeting we agreed to resume regular border meetings between the two countries," he added.

One of the disputed areas is Sabanerwa, a two square kilometre area, which stretches from the Southern Rwanda into Ngozi in Burundi Province; and Ruzo in Giteranyi, Muyinga in northern Burundi.

For the past few months there has been tension between residents of either side of the border over the disputed areas, with each side claiming ownership.

The minister said the joint team had visited the disputed areas and was now compiling its report. "I have to first agree with my (Burundian) counterpart on when to organise our next meeting."

He said the joint team was due to meet in the near future and agree on a final report.

Some residents claim that the original demarcations were redrawn when River Akanyaru reportedly changed its course due to heavy downpours in 1965.

Burundians also say rice growing activities on the Rwandan side led to the river's new course, a claim the Rwandan border communities refute, insisting that the land was historically for Rwanda.

He said the joint team was expected to meet between two to three weeks to finalise its report.

However, the minister dispelled fears that the dispute could spark tension between the two neighbouring countries saying Rwanda and Burundi had remained sister countries for years even when that difference existed.

"Our countries have lived peacefully together for 46 years without a clearly demarcated border between them. So, I strongly believe we can live together peacefully for the next two to three weeks," Murigande said. "Today there is even much more political will to solve the issue."

Asked what will be done in case the two sides failed to agree, Murigande said both parties would seek the intervention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ is based at The Hague in The Netherlands.