The President of the Republic of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, is scheduled to arrive in Kinshasa this Monday for a 48-hour state visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Strengthening bilateral ties
This diplomatic mission follows a formal invitation from President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The visit underscores the long-standing historical connection between Burundi and the RDC, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and cooperation between the two nations.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi will personally welcome his counterpart at N’djili International Airport. Following the arrival, the two heads of state will engage in private consultations at the Cité de l’Union africaine, 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 is centered on critical regional issues. Discussions will primarily focus on the security crisis in Eastern RDC and the coordinated response to the Ebola virus outbreak. This visit is particularly significant as President Évariste Ndayishimiye currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union.
Burundi and the RDC remain key strategic partners in the Great Lakes region, a relationship solidified by a bilateral defense agreement signed in March 2023. In response to persistent instability and aggression from the AFC/M23 rebellion and its affiliates in South Kivu, Bujumbura has deployed thousands of troops to support the Congolese army (FARDC) and protect their shared borders.
This military collaboration remains a cornerstone of their partnership. Defense officials from both nations continue to emphasize the importance of this alliance, with Burundian forces actively operating alongside the FARDC to neutralize armed groups and establish lasting peace in the region.