Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, recently concluded a significant diplomatic mission in Burundi. Leading a Congolese delegation, Minister Anzuluni was officially received in Gitega on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union.

During the audience, Minister Anzuluni delivered a special and confidential message from President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi to his Burundian counterpart. Following an extensive discussion lasting over an hour, the Congolese Ministry of Regional Integration confirmed that Anzuluni participated in the meeting as President Tshisekedi’s special envoy.

The primary focus of these high-level discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, alongside a thorough review of the security situation across the Great Lakes region, with particular emphasis on the ongoing challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Minister Anzuluni conveyed his profound gratitude to President Ndayishimiye for his attentive reception of President Tshisekedi’s message. He further lauded the Burundian President’s proactive leadership, in his capacity as the African Union Chairperson, in driving efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader Great Lakes area.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Burundi share deep historical bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation. This robust relationship was notably reinforced by President Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Kinshasa on June 22, undertaken at the invitation of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Both heads of state consistently reaffirm their joint commitment to restoring regional peace, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and fostering regional integration.

Prior to his crucial visit to Burundi, President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoy had traveled to Uganda, where he held discussions with President Yoweri Museveni. His diplomatic itinerary then took him to Lomé, Togo, where he met with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of the Togolese Council of Ministers and the African Union’s designated mediator in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda concerning alleged military and logistical support to the AFC/M23 rebellion.

These series of diplomatic engagements unfold against a backdrop of persistent hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa and various international reports assert is backed by Rwanda, continues its offensive against government forces. The rebel movement maintains control over significant territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, consolidating its positions on the ground. Meanwhile, ongoing diplomatic initiatives in Washington and Doha have yet to yield a definitive path toward a sustainable resolution of the conflict.