On a crucial official mission in Burundi, Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, leading a Congolese delegation, was received in Gitega on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. He met with Évariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union. This significant audience involved the delivery of a special and confidential message from Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to his Burundian counterpart.
Following an extensive discussion lasting over an hour, Minister Anzuluni confirmed his reception as a special envoy of the Congolese Head of State. The discussions primarily centered on bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations and addressing the pressing security situation across the Great Lakes region, with a particular focus on eastern 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. I had the distinct honor of conveying a special and confidential message from the President of the Republic. This message primarily concerns the strengthening of bilateral relations between our two countries, and also the security landscape in the region, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which represents a shared concern for our states,” the Congolese minister stated.
Floribert Anzuluni conveyed his profound gratitude to President Évariste Ndayishimiye for the careful consideration given to President Félix Tshisekedi’s message. He also lauded the Burundian President’s active role, in his capacity as the African Union’s Chairperson-in-Office, in driving efforts towards 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 rich history of friendship, solidarity, and collaborative ties. This dynamic partnership was further solidified by President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Kinshasa on June 22, undertaken at the invitation of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Both heads of state have consistently reaffirmed their shared dedication to restoring peace in the Great Lakes region, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and championing regional integration, crucial elements for pan-African current affairs.
Prior to his visit to Burundi, President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoy traveled to Uganda, where he was received by President Yoweri Museveni. His diplomatic journey then led him to Lomé, Togo, for a meeting with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic and the African Union’s designated mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda concerning Kigali’s alleged military and logistical support for the AFC/M23 rebellion.
These high-level engagements unfold amidst persistent hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa and various international reports accuse Rwanda of supporting, continues its offensive against government forces. The movement still controls significant territories within Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces, actively consolidating its positions on the ground. Meanwhile, diplomatic initiatives launched in Washington and Doha are still struggling to pave the way for a durable resolution to the conflict, a key focus in Africa politics English news today.
