regional peace efforts in eastern DRC: Burundi’s president backs Washington and doha processes
- Security
During a two-day state visit to Kinshasa, Burundi’s President and current African Union Chair, Évariste Ndayishimiye, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where ongoing armed group activities and cross-border tensions continue to fuel insecurity.
Speaking at a joint press conference with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi at the African Union City in Kinshasa, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the critical importance of regional cooperation in addressing the persistent security challenges plaguing eastern DRC.
a call for collective action and strengthened regional cooperation
The Burundian leader highlighted the need for a unified approach to tackle the multifaceted crisis in the region, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through coordinated efforts among neighboring countries.
“A thorough assessment of the security situation in eastern DRC was conducted during our discussions. I have expressed Burundi’s full support for regional and international diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region,” Ndayishimiye stated.
He underscored the interconnected nature of the challenges facing eastern DRC, noting that military responses alone are insufficient to address the root causes of the conflict.
“Burundi firmly believes that resolving the crises in eastern DRC requires a holistic and integrated approach. This includes ending recurring cycles of violence and fostering socio-economic development for affected populations,” he explained.
support for diplomatic initiatives and regional mediation
President Ndayishimiye reiterated his country’s backing for key diplomatic processes, including the Washington and Doha processes, as well as initiatives led by the African Union. He also reaffirmed his personal commitment to supporting African-led mediation efforts.
“Burundi supports all initiatives aimed at restoring durable peace in the DRC, particularly the Washington and Doha processes, as well as the efforts of the African Union through the AU’s peace mediator for the DRC, supported by the panel of former African heads of state. I have personally reaffirmed my commitment to African mediation, including through a follow-up mechanism for ongoing processes,” he added.
The visit by President Ndayishimiye follows heightened diplomatic efforts to broker a sustainable ceasefire and revive dialogue among conflict parties in eastern DRC. Despite these initiatives, violence continues to escalate, with armed clashes between rebel factions and government forces persisting across the region.
ongoing challenges and the road ahead
While diplomatic engagements have made progress on paper, their implementation on the ground remains elusive. Analysts note that persistent gaps between diplomatic commitments and realities on the ground continue to undermine peace efforts. Each party involved interprets the terms of agreements differently, further complicating the path to sustainable peace.
