Burundi Calls for Stronger International Action Over Continued Violence in Eastern DRC

Bujumbura, June 4, 2026 - Burundi has urged the international community to increase its engagement in addressing the ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing continued fighting and what it describes as non-compliance with the Washington Peace Agreement.

The appeal was made by Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, Édouard Bizimana, during talks held on June 1 with his Congolese counterpart, Floribert Anzuluni, in Bujumbura.

Bizimana expressed concern that despite diplomatic efforts linked to the Washington process-facilitated by international partners including the United States-violence involving the Congolese army and the AFC/M23 rebellion continues in parts of eastern DRC. He said the persistence of hostilities has led to renewed displacement and insecurity in several areas.

He also noted that while some progress has been made, including the return of displaced populations in certain regions, other zones remain unstable, calling for stronger international coordination to support regional peace initiatives.

During the same meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and discussed broader cooperation issues, including diplomatic infrastructure, regional integration mechanisms, and preparations for upcoming regional summits within the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Congolese Minister Floribert Anzuluni welcomed Burundi’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian support, particularly its assistance to Congolese refugees hosted in Burundi.

Burundi reiterated its commitment to regional peace efforts and its role within African Union frameworks aimed at stabilizing conflict-affected areas.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in eastern DRC, where multiple armed actors remain active despite repeated ceasefire agreements and international mediation efforts. Both Kinshasa and regional partners continue to accuse various parties of violating peace commitments, further complicating implementation of the Washington agreement.