Meeting between the Burundian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Special Representative to the African Union

On the sidelines of the 61st Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Permanent Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, on Thursday, 28 May 2026, received a delegation led by Mr. Onanga Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the African Union. This meeting took place in the framework of courtesy visit.

The discussions between the two officials focused on issues of mutual interest, particularly those related to the ongoing work of UNOCA. Mr. Onanga Anyanga congratulated Minister Bizimana on Burundi’s presidency of the African Union and welcomed the organization of the meeting of ministers from ECCAS member states with UNICHA, describing it as a major and historic mechanism and an essential instrument for strengthening peace and security in the region.

He emphasized that Burundi’s simultaneous presidency of the AU and UNOCA demonstrates a remarkable alignment of the country’s commitments and investments. Expressing his appreciation, he highlighted the enlightened leadership of Burundian President, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, and assured that the United Nations will support Burundi in implementing peace and security agreements, particularly within the framework of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.

The Special Representative emphasized that Burundi is the only country that is up to date with its contributions within the mechanism, which reflects its ongoing commitment to the international community.

For his part, Minister Bizimana expressed Burundi’s satisfaction with the support received from the United Nations in various sectors. He stressed the need for partnerships whose activities have a concrete impact on the lives of the Burundian population.

Regarding the UNOCA mechanism, Ambassador Bizimana considered that a six-month presidency term is too short to achieve the set objectives. He suggested that the relevant bodies meet to consider a more appropriate extension. It should be noted that as of 29 May 2026, Burundi will assume the presidency of the Permanent Committee of this mechanism for the next six months.

In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed Burundi’s willingness to work closely with the United Nations in all its structures, thereby strengthening cooperation for the stability and prosperity of the African continent.