The President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, is scheduled to arrive in Kinshasa this Monday, June 22, 2026. His 48-hour state visit to the République démocratique du Congo marks a significant moment for regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Strengthening bilateral ties
This official mission follows an invitation extended by the Congolese Head of State, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The visit highlights the deep-rooted historical and fraternal connection between Burundi and the République démocratique du Congo, aiming to further consolidate the partnership between the two neighbors.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi is expected to personally welcome his counterpart at N’djili International Airport. Following the arrival ceremonies, the two leaders are set to hold private discussions at the Cité de l’Union africaine, which will be followed by a joint media briefing to outline the outcomes of their meeting.
Security and health on the agenda
High-level talks will center on pressing issues of mutual interest, specifically the security crisis in Eastern RDC and the ongoing management of the Ebola virus outbreak. This diplomatic engagement occurs while Évariste Ndayishimiye holds the rotating presidency of the African Union, giving the discussions a broader continental significance.
The relationship between Bujumbura and Kinshasa has evolved into a strategic military alliance, solidified by a bilateral defense pact signed in March 2023. To combat instability and the AFC/M23 insurgency in South Kivu, Burundi has committed thousands of troops to support the FARDC (Congolese national army) along their shared border.
This military cooperation remains a cornerstone of their partnership, with defense officials from both countries frequently meeting to refine their joint strategy. Both nations continue to face shared security challenges and remain committed to establishing lasting peace within the Grands Lacs region.
