Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
From May 25 to 29, 2026, Bujumbura will host the 61st Meeting of the United Nations Permanent Advisory Committee on Security Issues in Central Africa (UNSAC), under the theme: “Strengthening regional mechanisms for the prevention, mediation and peaceful settlement of conflicts for lasting peace and resilient development in Central Africa”.
Activities began with the work of the UNOCA focal points. On May 26, 2026, the experts officially began their work, which will continue for three days, in preparation for the 61st ministerial meeting scheduled for May 29, 2026.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Sophonie Nitunga, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, warmly welcomed the representatives of the eleven (11) member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). He expressed his gratitude to the participants for their presence and their unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and security in the sub-region. He wished them fruitful discussions, emphasizing that the conclusions of their work would serve as the basis for the discussions at the ministerial meeting on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Mr. Sophonie Nitunga also indicated that this session of experts constitutes a fundamental step in the process of reflection and formulation of the guidelines that will direct the work of the decision-making bodies. According to him, the analyses, expertise, and in-depth knowledge of the realities on the ground possessed by the experts represent an essential contribution to the quality of the conclusions that will be submitted to higher levels.
Following the opening ceremony, the proceedings began with the presentation of the outgoing bureau’s report, followed by the election of the new bureau. As a result of this election, the Republic of Burundi was elected Chair of the Committee, while Gabon was elected First Vice-Chair and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Second Vice-Chair