Tshisekedi’s special envoy concludes regional diplomatic mission in Gitega

Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, recently concluded a significant diplomatic leg of his tour in Gitega, Burundi. Leading a Congolese delegation, Minister Anzuluni was granted an audience on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also holds the esteemed position of current Chairperson of the African Union. The focal point of this meeting was the delivery of a special and confidential message from Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi to his Burundian counterpart.

Following an extensive discussion lasting over an hour, Minister Anzuluni confirmed that he was received in his capacity as a special envoy for the Congolese Head of State.

The discussions, as conveyed by President Tshisekedi’s emissary, primarily centered on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations and addressing the prevailing security situation across the Great Lakes region, with a particular emphasis on the volatile eastern territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I was granted an audience by His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye as a special envoy of His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi,” the Congolese minister stated. “It was my distinct honor to convey a special and confidential message from our President. This message primarily addresses the enhancement of bilateral ties between our two countries, alongside a thorough review of the regional security landscape, especially in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a shared concern for both our nations.”

Minister Anzuluni conveyed his profound gratitude to President Ndayishimiye for the thoughtful reception of President Tshisekedi’s communication. He further commended the Burundian President for his proactive engagement, particularly in his capacity as the African Union’s current Chairperson, in spearheading initiatives aimed at fostering lasting peace within the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader Great Lakes region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Burundi share a deep-rooted history of friendship, solidarity, and collaborative efforts. This robust relationship gained further momentum with President Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Kinshasa on June 22, at the invitation of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Both heads of state consistently reaffirm their unwavering commitment to restoring peace throughout the Great Lakes region, bolstering bilateral cooperation, and advancing regional integration initiatives.

Prior to his arrival in Burundi, President Tshisekedi’s envoy had previously visited Uganda, where he engaged with President Yoweri Museveni. His diplomatic itinerary then led him to Lomé, Togo, for a meeting with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic’s Council of Ministers and the African Union’s designated mediator in the ongoing dispute between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda concerning Kigali’s alleged military and logistical backing for the AFC/M23 rebellion.

These high-level engagements unfold against a backdrop of persistent hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa and various international reports assert receives support from Rwanda, continues its offensive operations against government forces. The movement maintains control over significant areas within the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, steadily fortifying its tactical positions. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts initiated in Washington and Doha have yet to yield a definitive path toward a lasting resolution of this protracted conflict.