On an official diplomatic mission to Burundi, Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, led a Congolese delegation to Gitega. There, he was received by President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union. This significant meeting, held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, included the delivery of a special and confidential message from President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo to his Burundian counterpart.

Following discussions that extended beyond an hour, the Congolese Ministry of Regional Integration confirmed that Minister Anzuluni was received as a special envoy representing the Congolese Head of State.

According to President Tshisekedi’s emissary, the core of the discussions centered on fostering bilateral relations between the two nations and addressing the critical security landscape in the Great Lakes region, with a particular focus on the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I was granted an audience by His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye in my capacity as a special envoy for His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi,” the Congolese minister stated. “I had the distinct honor of delivering a special and confidential message from our President. This message primarily concerns the strengthening of bilateral ties between our two countries, alongside a discussion on the regional security situation, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which remains a shared concern for both our nations.”

Minister Anzuluni conveyed his profound gratitude to President Ndayishimiye for his attentive reception of President Tshisekedi’s message. He further commended the Burundian President for his proactive engagement, especially in his role as the African Union’s current Chairperson, in advancing sustainable peace initiatives within the Democratic Republic of Congo and across the wider Great Lakes region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Burundi share a long-standing history of amity, solidarity, and collaborative efforts. This robust relationship gained further momentum following President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Kinshasa on June 22, extended at the invitation of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Both heads of state have consistently reaffirmed their joint dedication to re-establishing peace throughout the Great Lakes region, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and fostering regional integration.

Prior to his stop in Burundi, President Tshisekedi’s envoy had traveled to Uganda, where he engaged with President Yoweri Museveni. His itinerary then led him to Lomé, Togo. There, he met with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who serves as both the President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic and the African Union’s designated mediator in the ongoing dispute between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, concerning Kigali’s alleged military and logistical backing for the AFC/M23 rebellion.

These crucial diplomatic engagements unfold against a backdrop of persistent hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa and various international reports allege is supported by Rwanda, continues its offensive against governmental forces. The insurgent group maintains control over significant areas within the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and is actively reinforcing its territorial gains. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts initiated in Washington and Doha have yet to pave the way for a lasting resolution to the escalating conflict.