Dr Congo’s diplomatic envoy concludes regional tour in gitega
In a significant move for African politics and regional stability, Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, recently concluded a key leg of his diplomatic mission in Gitega, Burundi. Leading a Congolese delegation, Minister Anzuluni was granted an audience with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union. This high-level meeting, held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, saw the delivery of a crucial and confidential message from DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi to his Burundian counterpart.
Following an extensive discussion that spanned over an hour, Minister Anzuluni confirmed his role as a special envoy for the Congolese Head of State. The discussions primarily centered on enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations and addressing the persistent security challenges plaguing the Great Lakes region, with a particular focus on eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I had the distinct honor of being received by His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye as a special representative of His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi. I presented him with a specific and confidential message from our President. This communication primarily concerns strengthening the ties between our two countries and tackling the regional security situation, especially in eastern DRC, which remains a shared concern for both our states,” the Congolese minister stated.
Minister Anzuluni conveyed his profound appreciation to President Ndayishimiye for his diligent attention to President Tshisekedi’s message. He further commended the Burundian President’s proactive leadership, in his capacity as the African Union Chairperson, in driving initiatives aimed at fostering lasting peace within the Democratic Republic of Congo and across the broader Great Lakes region, vital for effective governance Africa-wide.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Burundi share deep-rooted bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation. This enduring relationship was further solidified by President Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Kinshasa on June 22, undertaken at the invitation of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Both heads of state have consistently reaffirmed their joint commitment to restoring peace throughout the Great Lakes, bolstering bilateral cooperation, and advancing regional integration efforts.
Before his visit to Burundi, President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoy embarked on other critical diplomatic engagements. He traveled to Uganda, where he was received by President Yoweri Museveni. Subsequently, he proceeded to Lomé, Togo, for a meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. President Gnassingbé, who also chairs the Togolese Council of Ministers, is notably the African Union’s mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, concerning Kigali’s alleged military and logistical support for the AFC/M23 rebellion.
These series of diplomatic consultations unfold against a backdrop of continued hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa and several international assessments link to Rwandan backing, persists in its offensive against government forces. The movement maintains control over significant areas within the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces, actively consolidating its positions on the ground. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts initiated in Washington and Doha have yet to pave the way for a definitive and sustainable resolution to the conflict, highlighting the complexities of African politics in the region.
