The President 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 République démocratique du Congo. This official mission follows a formal invitation extended by his Congolese counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.

This diplomatic encounter highlights the longstanding historical and fraternal ties between Burundi and the République démocratique du Congo. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi will personally travel to N’djili International Airport to welcome his guest. Following the arrival ceremonies, the two leaders are slated to hold private discussions at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, which will be followed by a joint press conference.

Focus on regional security and health challenges

The agenda for this summit is centered on several critical issues of mutual interest. Primary among these is the volatile security situation in the eastern regions of the République démocratique du Congo. Additionally, the heads of state will coordinate on the ongoing 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 République démocratique du Congo remain key strategic partners within the Great Lakes region. Their collaboration was formalized in March 2023 through a bilateral defense agreement. In response to persistent instability in the East and the challenges posed by the AFC/M23 rebellion and its associates in Sud-Kivu, Bujumbura has committed thousands of troops to support the Congolese army (FARDC) and maintain security along their shared border.

This military cooperation is a cornerstone of their partnership, with defense ministers from both nations frequently meeting to strengthen their strategic alignment. Burundian forces continue to operate alongside the FARDC in Sud-Kivu and other frontline sectors to neutralize armed groups. Both countries are demonstrating a unified front in addressing shared security threats and pursuing a path toward lasting peace in the region.