Évariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, is arriving in Kinshasa this Monday, June 22, 2026, for a 48-hour official state visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This high-level diplomatic mission follows an invitation from his Congolese counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The visit highlights the profound historical connections between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and aims to further cement the relationship between the two nations.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi is expected to personally welcome the Burundian leader at N’djili International Airport. Following the arrival ceremonies, the two heads of state will hold private talks at the Cité de l’Union africaine, which will be followed by a joint press conference.
Addressing regional security and health
The discussions between the two leaders will focus on critical regional issues, specifically the security crisis in Eastern DRC and the ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola virus. This visit takes place as President Ndayishimiye continues his tenure as the Chairperson of the African Union.
Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are key strategic allies in the Great Lakes region, linked by a bilateral defense agreement established in March 2023. In the face of persistent insecurity caused by the AFC/M23 rebellion and other armed factions in South Kivu, Bujumbura has deployed thousands of troops to support the Congolese army (FARDC) and secure their shared border.
This military cooperation is a central element of their bilateral partnership. Defense officials from both countries meet regularly to strengthen this strategic bond. The deployment of Burundian forces in South Kivu and other operational zones underscores a mutual commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
