The President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, is set to arrive in Kinshasa this Monday for a significant 48-hour state visit. This official trip to the capital of the République démocratique du Congo comes at the invitation of his counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
This high-level meeting serves as a testament to the enduring historical and diplomatic ties between the people of Burundi and the République démocratique du Congo. To mark the importance of the occasion, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi will travel to N’djili International Airport to personally receive his guest.
The scheduled itinerary includes a private one-on-one session at the Cité de l’Union africaine, followed by a joint press conference where both leaders will address the media. Discussions are expected to focus heavily on regional stability and public health, specifically regarding the security situation in the eastern provinces of the RDC and the ongoing response to the Ebola virus.
Strengthening the Great Lakes alliance
The relationship between Bujumbura and Kinshasa has evolved into a critical strategic partnership, particularly following the signing of a bilateral defense agreement in March 2023. In an effort to curb the instability caused by the AFC/M23 rebellion and various armed factions in South Kivu, Burundi has deployed thousands of troops to support the Congolese army (FARDC) and secure their shared borders.
This military cooperation remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relations. Defense officials from both nations continue to emphasize the necessity of this partnership to address common security threats. The presence of Burundian forces on the front lines in South Kivu demonstrates a collective resolve to achieve lasting peace and stability within the Great Lakes region.
