Burundian Presidency Announces Crisis Monitoring, Including the Situation in Eastern DRC

African Union February 5, 2026 - Burundi is preparing to assume the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU) on February 15, 2026, marking a first since the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the AU, Ambassador Edouard Bizimana announced in a public address. According to the Burundian minister, this presidency represents both “a sign of political confidence”, a political, economic, and strategic opportunity, and a collective responsibility, requiring the involvement of all Burundian society, public and private institutions, the economic sector, youth, researchers, and the country’s partners. The address emphasizes that the Burundian presidency is occurring in a complex regional and international context, marked by armed conflicts, natural disasters, economic challenges, and a deteriorating climate for international cooperation. Among the announced priorities are: Accelerating the implementation of the AU's 2026 theme, “Water and Sanitation for All by 2063”. Continuing the continental youth dialogue on peace, security, research, and innovation. Strengthening the participation of young people and women in peace processes, within the “Silencing the Guns by 2030” initiative. Contributing to the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a focus on e-commerce, including an international symposium in Bujumbura. Burundi will also oversee ordinary AU activities, including annual summits, statutory meetings, and monitoring relations with strategic partners, notably the European Union, China, United States, Russia, India, Japan, and the United Nations. Continental crises will remain a focus, particularly the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, the Sahel, and Sudan, as well as natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. The minister called for general mobilization of the Burundian diplomatic corps and foreign missions, highlighting opportunities for international visibility and investment attraction, while acknowledging financial, logistical, and human capacity challenges. Ambassador Edouard Bizimana concluded by commending the work of Burundi’s Permanent Mission to the AU and calling for unity to ensure the success of this continental mandate.