Burundi President Ndayishimiye Urges Unity in DRC Amid Security Threats

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, serving as chair of the African Union, concluded a 48‑hour state visit to Kinshasa on 23 June 2026. He met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and stressed the need for stable institutions and national cohesion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ndayishimiye called on all Congolese to unite against a “common enemy” and to pursue inclusive dialogue to address the persistent armed violence in the country’s eastern provinces, including the M23 rebellion that is reportedly backed by Rwanda. He pledged continued AU support and offered Burundi’s assistance to any initiative that strengthens social cohesion and security in the DRC.