Évariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, is scheduled to arrive in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this Monday, June 22, 2026, for a significant 48-hour state visit.
This high-level visit to Kinshasa by the sitting AU Chairperson comes at the direct invitation of his Congolese counterpart, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The Congolese Presidency’s communication office confirmed these details late Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The state visit by the Burundian head of state serves as a powerful testament to the enduring historical bonds connecting both nations and their respective populations. It highlights the deep-rooted relationship between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To mark this important occasion, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi will personally journey to N’djili International Airport to extend a warm welcome to his distinguished guest. Following the arrival, the two leaders are slated to engage in private, one-on-one discussions at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, culminating in a joint press conference.
Discussions between the two prominent African leaders will focus on critical matters of shared concern. These include the pressing security situation in eastern RDC and ongoing efforts in the fight against the Ebola virus disease. This visit holds particular significance as President Ndayishimiye currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the African Union.
Within the volatile Great Lakes region, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo stand as vital strategic allies, bound by a bilateral defense agreement formalized in March 2023. Confronting persistent insecurity in eastern RDC and the ongoing aggression by the AFC/M23 rebellion and its associated groups active in Sud-Kivu, Bujumbura has committed thousands of its troops. These forces are deployed to bolster the Congolese army (FARDC) and enhance security along their shared border.
This robust military alliance is built upon several key pillars of cooperation. Defense ministers from both nations frequently reiterate their unwavering commitment to strengthening this crucial strategic partnership. Thousands of Burundian military personnel are actively stationed in Sud-Kivu and other frontline areas, providing essential support to the FARDC in their operations targeting various armed factions.
Therefore, both countries face intertwined security challenges and demonstrate a unified dedication to achieving lasting peace and stability across the Great Lakes region.
