Kinshasa hosts high-level talks on regional security and cooperation

On Monday, June 22, 2026, a significant diplomatic engagement unfolded at the African Union City, where Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, held discussions with Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and the current Chairperson of the African Union. This meeting took place during President Ndayishimiye’s state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The two heads of state first engaged in a private, one-on-one conversation, which then expanded into a broader bilateral session. Their agenda focused on bolstering cooperative efforts across various sectors of mutual interest between their respective nations.

A key topic during these deliberations was the volatile security landscape in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi’s ongoing support for the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) in confronting Rwandan military occupation forces was specifically highlighted.

Furthermore, both delegations addressed their collaborative strategies for combating the Ebola virus epidemic, particularly the Bundibugyo strain. They underscored the critical need to intensify cross-border surveillance measures to effectively curb the virus’s spread.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, June 23, President Ndayishimiye is scheduled to participate in a crucial meeting with members of the Taskforce coordinating the health response to the resurgence of the Ebola virus disease (Bundibugyo strain). This particular strain is significantly impacting three eastern provinces of the country, and his participation will precede a planned visit to the Central African Countries Cultural and Artistic Center.

To conclude this high-level summit, a joint press conference involving both presidents is slated for later on Tuesday.