Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
This Monday, June 1, 2026, in Bujumbura, the Burundian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, received in audience his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, who also serves as Chair of the Council of Ministers of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), on a visit to Burundi, the seat of the ICGLR.
The two high-ranking officials welcomed the quality of bilateral and diplomatic relations between Burundi and the DRC and expressed their shared desire to further strengthen them. Several topics of common interest were discussed:
- The security situation in eastern DRC
- The strengthening and proper management of the ICGLR Executive Secretariat
- The preparation of the upcoming Ordinary Summit of ICGLR Heads of State and Government
Regarding the issue of peace and security in the region, Minister Édouard Bizimana expressed regret that the agreements signed between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by Washington, have not been fully respected. He stressed that, despite certain improvements allowing some refugees to return to their homes, other areas are experiencing a resurgence of insecurity, causing new displacements toward neighboring countries.
He insisted on the need for greater involvement by the international community to support already ongoing regional initiatives.
The Congolese Minister greatly appreciated Burundi’s diplomatic efforts, particularly its commitment to mobilizing humanitarian aid for Congolese refugees in camps in Burundi.
Concerning the ICGLR, he informed his counterpart that a Troika meeting is currently being prepared in order to review the security situation in the region and assess the statutory contributions of member states.
In conclusion, Minister Édouard Bizimana reaffirmed that Burundi remains fully mobilized to silence the guns on the African continent.