On Monday, June 22, 2026, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) welcomed His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, for a state visit in Kinshasa.
The two leaders engaged in a private discussion followed by an extended bilateral meeting, focusing on deepening cooperation across multiple shared priorities.
Strengthening bilateral ties and regional security
During their talks, President Tshisekedi and President Ndayishimiye addressed the escalating security challenges in eastern DRC, where Burundian troops are actively supporting the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in countering Rwanda-backed military forces.
The discussions underscored the importance of joint defense strategies and coordinated regional action to stabilize the area and protect civilian populations from ongoing threats.
Joint response to Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC
Another key topic was the resurgence of the Ebola virus disease (Bundibugyo strain) in eastern provinces, particularly in three heavily affected regions.
The leaders emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cross-border surveillance and collaboration to prevent further transmission. On Tuesday, June 23, President Ndayishimiye is scheduled to attend a meeting with the national task force overseeing the Ebola response, reinforcing joint efforts in public health crisis management.
The visit also included a tour of the Central African Cultural and Arts Center, highlighting cultural exchange as part of broader diplomatic engagement.
Closing with joint statements
A joint press conference is planned for Tuesday, marking the culmination of this high-level meeting and signaling continued partnership between the DRC and Burundi.
