Burundi's Foreign Minister and President Address Dutch Embassy Closure and ZLECAF Progress

On 3 August 2026 Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Édouard Bizimana received Dutch Ambassador Lianne Huben. She announced that, for budgetary reasons, the Netherlands will close its embassy in Burundi on 31 July 2027, with diplomatic relations thereafter handled by the Dutch embassy in Dar es Salaam. Ongoing Dutch‑funded projects in food security, health, youth employment and regional peace will continue through EU, World Bank, UN and local partners.

President Évariste Ndayishimiye later hosted former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, a leading figure of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The two discussed the implementation of AfCFTA protocols on goods, intellectual property, digital trade, women and youth participation, and investment, with the President reaffirming Burundi’s commitment to accelerating African economic integration.