Burundi urges stronger global action as RDC violence persists
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Burundi, Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, has called for an enhanced international response to address the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) and the persistent disregard for the Washington Peace Agreement.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with his RDC counterpart, Floribert Anzuluni, in Bujumbura on June 1, 2026, Minister Bizimana expressed deep concern over the failure of the agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, to bring lasting peace despite some progress in refugee repatriation.
Unfulfilled promises and escalating insecurity
While acknowledging that some Congolese refugees have returned home, the Burundian official highlighted that several regions remain trapped in violence, with new displacements forcing civilians to flee into neighboring countries.
“The peace accords signed between the RDC and Rwanda, with Washington’s facilitation, have not been fully honored,” Bizimana stated. “The international community must step up its involvement to support regional peace initiatives and ensure the safety of civilians in eastern DRC.”
The Burundian delegation emphasized that Bujumbura remains committed to silencing weapons across Africa, aligning with President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s vision during his tenure as African Union Chair.
Regional alliances and diplomatic efforts
Both ministers underscored the strong bilateral ties between Burundi and the RDC, reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation. Key discussions included:
- The allocation of land for Burundi’s upcoming embassy in Kinshasa;
- Management of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL) Secretariat;
- Preparations for the upcoming CIRGL heads-of-state summit, chaired by the DRC.
Minister Anzuluni praised Burundi’s humanitarian contributions, particularly its support for Congolese refugees in Burundian camps. He also announced plans for a Troika meeting to assess regional security and member state contributions to the CIRGL.
Military collaboration amid rising tensions
The meeting took place against the backdrop of intensified insecurity in eastern DRC, where Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the AFC/M23 rebel group in South Kivu. In response, Burundi has deployed thousands of troops to assist the Congolese army (FARDC) in securing their shared border—a collaboration formalized in a 2023 bilateral defense pact.
Despite multiple peace talks in Montreux and Doha, accusations of ceasefire violations persist, with each party interpreting the Washington Agreement differently. International mediators, including the United States and Qatar, continue to face challenges in advancing the peace process.
The Burundian delegation reiterated its stance that military and diplomatic efforts must converge to restore stability in the region.
- Security
