The President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, is expected to arrive in Kinshasa this Monday for a significant 48-hour state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This diplomatic mission follows an official invitation from his Congolese counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The visit serves as a testament to the long-standing historical and brotherly relations shared between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi is scheduled to travel to N’djili International Airport to personally welcome the Burundian leader. After the arrival ceremonies, the two heads of state will proceed to the Cité de l’Union Africaine for private discussions, which will be followed by a joint press conference to address the media.
Security and health at the heart of discussions
The agenda for this high-level meeting focuses on several critical issues of mutual interest. Primary among these is the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC and the regional response to the Ebola virus outbreak. This visit is particularly significant as President Ndayishimiye currently leads the African Union, providing a platform to discuss these challenges within a broader continental framework.
Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo remain vital strategic partners in the Great Lakes region. This relationship was formalized through a bilateral defense agreement signed in March 2023. In response to the persistent instability in the east and the aggression from the AFC/M23 rebellion and its associates in South Kivu, Bujumbura has committed thousands of troops to support the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and maintain border security.
This military cooperation is a cornerstone of their partnership. Defense officials from both nations continue to emphasize their dedication to strengthening this alliance. With thousands of Burundian soldiers stationed in South Kivu and other active frontlines, the two countries are working in tandem to combat armed groups and achieve lasting peace across the region.
