Burundi Urges US to Strengthen Pressure on Parties Amid Escalating Violence in Eastern

Bujumbura, Burundi, January 17, 2026 - Faced with the continued escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi has called on the United States to increase pressure on the conflicting parties to ensure compliance with their commitments under the Washington Accords. President Évariste Ndayishimiye described the security situation in the Great Lakes region as grim, highlighting violent clashes between government forces and the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion, which have caused significant human and material losses and continued territorial gains for the rebels. During a New Year’s greetings ceremony with the diplomatic and consular corps in Bujumbura on January 14, 2026, Ndayishimiye deplored the ongoing deterioration of the situation despite international diplomatic initiatives led by the African Union (AU). He noted that Burundi has paid a heavy price for the conflict, citing: Occupation of Congolese territories in the east Destruction of infrastructure Massacres of civilians Annihilation of economic activities Massive influx of refugees into Burundi “Despite peace initiatives, UN Security Council resolutions, the Washington and Doha agreements, and efforts by the AU, EAC, and SADC, the situation in eastern DRC remains extremely worrying,” he stated. President Ndayishimiye, who is also the African Union president-elect, urged the United States, as guarantor of the Washington Accords, to ensure that all parties respect their commitments, stressing the lack of trust between Kinshasa and Kigali. “When we were in Washington for the signing of the Accords, hope was palpable. Unfortunately, that hope lasted only a few moments. The guarantor must now act,” he declared. This appeal comes amid a stalled diplomatic process: Ratified agreements by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are struggling to produce results. Doha talks, led by the Emir of Qatar, between Kinshasa and the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23, are also failing to achieve concrete outcomes, despite their aim to address the root causes of the conflict, including restoration of state authority and reintegration of armed groups. Several measures, including the joint communiqué, ceasefire mechanism, declaration of principles, and framework agreement, remain unimplemented, fueling ongoing clashes. In addition, the national dialogue, called for by socio-political actors to support these peace initiatives, has not yet taken place. After withdrawing from mediation in March 2025, Angola is now gradually returning to the process, holding consultations with stakeholders. Meanwhile, Togo plans to host a high-level meeting on January 17, 2026, aimed at strengthening the coherence and consolidation of the peace process in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. This statement by Burundi underscores the urgent need for international action to enforce compliance with agreements and prevent further escalation of violence in eastern DRC.