The foreign affairs minister of Burundi, Édouard Bizimana, has called for an enhanced international response to the ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing the persistent failure to uphold the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Kinshasa and Kigali.
During a bilateral meeting with his Congolese counterpart, Floribert Anzuluni, in Bujumbura on June 1, 2026, Bizimana expressed deep concern over the continued hostilities between DRC government forces and the M23 rebellion, which remains active despite the accord.
diplomatic frustration over stalled peace efforts
The Burundian minister, who also serves as the current chair of the African Union, highlighted that while some progress has been made—such as the return of displaced Congolese refugees—many areas remain mired in insecurity. He emphasized that the international community must take a more proactive role in supporting regional initiatives to stabilize the region.
“The Washington Agreement, brokered with U.S. facilitation, has not yielded the expected results on the ground,” Bizimana stated. “While we acknowledge the repatriation of some citizens, other zones continue to suffer from escalating violence, forcing new waves of displacement toward neighboring countries. A stronger commitment from global actors is essential to reinforce the peace process.”
The discussions also underscored the strong bilateral relations between Burundi and the DRC, with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties. Key topics included the allocation of land for Burundi’s new embassy in Kinshasa and preparations for the upcoming summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), currently chaired by the DRC.
regional cooperation and humanitarian aid
Minister Anzuluni praised Burundi’s efforts in mobilizing humanitarian assistance for Congolese refugees hosted within its borders. He also announced the upcoming convening of an ICGLR Troika meeting to assess the security situation and review member states’ financial contributions to regional stability initiatives.
In a show of solidarity, Bizimana reiterated Burundi’s dedication to silencing the guns across Africa, a priority set by President Évariste Ndayishimiye during his tenure as AU chair. This commitment aligns with Burundi’s broader regional security strategy, which includes deploying thousands of troops to support the DRC’s armed forces in combating armed groups along their shared border.
ongoing security challenges in eastern drc
The latest diplomatic impasse follows the April 2026 Montreux Joint Communiqué between DRC representatives and the M23 alliance, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Togo. Despite negotiations, accusations of ceasefire violations and non-compliance with agreements persist, undermining progress. The Washington Process, like its predecessors in Doha, has struggled to translate dialogue into tangible peace, with each party interpreting terms differently.
The failure to implement the accords has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with civilians bearing the brunt of renewed clashes in provinces like North Kivu and Ituri. International observers warn that without decisive action, the violence could further destabilize the Great Lakes region.
Photo caption: Édouard Bizimana and Floribert Anzuluni during their meeting in Bujumbura.
