Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi visited Burundi on Sunday in what the Burundi State House described as a “friendly visit” aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
“This marks a new impetus for multi-sectoral cooperation within both bilateral and regional frameworks,” the State House said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This visit eloquently demonstrates the commitment of the two Heads of State to expand the excellent bilateral relations and promote peace, security, and socio-economic well-being for their respective peoples.”
The visit comes at a time when Burundi and the DRC have joined forces to combat rebel and militia groups that have been destabilizing both countries.
Both Burundi and the DRC are members of the East African Community (EAC), and the visit occurs amid ongoing tensions with neighbouring Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has launched several attacks in eastern DRC and claimed territory.
Meanwhile, Burundi closed its border with Rwanda in January, accusing Kigali of sheltering and supporting rebel groups responsible for attacks that killed dozens of civilians last year in Burundi. Rwanda has denied the allegations.
