Analyst Links Tshisekedi-Ndayishimiye Meeting to Security Situation in Eastern DRC

Kinshasa, June 23, 2026 - The meeting between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has drawn attention from regional observers, with some analysts linking the visit to the ongoing security situation in eastern DRC.

President Ndayishimiye began a two-day visit to Kinshasa on June 22, where he held talks with President Tshisekedi on bilateral relations and regional security, particularly the conflict in eastern DRC.

The visit comes as Burundian troops continue to operate in eastern DRC under a bilateral military cooperation agreement with Kinshasa, alongside Congolese forces in operations against armed groups.

Political analyst Tite Gatabazi said the timing of the visit coincides with intensified fighting in South Kivu, particularly around the Minembwe area, where clashes have recently escalated.

According to Gatabazi, the meeting was likely influenced by recent military developments on the ground. He argued that the two leaders share common security objectives in eastern DRC and suggested that the visit was intended to assess the situation following ongoing military operations.

Gatabazi further claimed that Congolese and Burundian forces had sought to secure control of Minembwe before the DRC's Independence Day on June 30, but that the objective had not been achieved. He also alleged that the recent fighting resulted in significant losses for both armies.

The governments of the DRC and Burundi have not publicly commented on these specific claims.

The Burundian military has maintained a presence in eastern DRC since 2022 under agreements with the Congolese government to conduct joint operations against armed groups operating in the region.