Behind the diplomatic rhetoric of “cooperation,” “security,” and “friendship” between Kinshasa and Gitega, the relationship between Félix Tshisekedi and Évariste Ndayishimiye continues to reveal underlying military interests that appear to outweigh any concrete development initiatives.
Since relations between the DRC and Rwanda began to deteriorate in 2022, the two leaders have grown increasingly close. However, their partnership appears to be driven less by development goals—such as building roads or launching major infrastructure projects—and more by shared security interests.
What unites them most is their military cooperation in eastern DRC, where Burundian troops have become one of Kinshasa’s key allies in the fight against AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho.
It is in this context that President Évariste Ndayishimiye arrived in Kinshasa on June 22, 2026, for a two-day official visit, accompanied by his wife.
Officially, the agenda includes security in eastern DRC, bilateral cooperation, the Ebola situation, and other regional issues. However, analysts argue that the visit goes far beyond the topics publicly announced.
The trip comes at a time when Burundian troops have been deployed in the DRC for nearly three years, and as fighting in South Kivu has intensified, particularly in the highlands of Minembwe.
President Félix Tshisekedi personally welcomed President Évariste Ndayishimiye at N’djili International Airport, where the two leaders walked on a red carpet, listened to the national anthems of their countries, and attended a military honors ceremony.
The two heads of state later held closed-door talks at the Cité de l’Union Africaine. While the scene projected an image of strong diplomatic ties, it also hinted at a deeper story unfolding behind the public display of friendship.
One analyst put it this way: “Kinshasa sees Bujumbura as its closest partner in both the military campaign and the political struggle against Kigali. In that sense, Burundi has effectively become a strategic tool.”
Media outlets in the DRC have portrayed the visit as part of a partnership between the two leaders, united by a shared commitment to defending the DRC’s “sovereignty” and countering both Rwanda and AFC/M23.
The narrative promoted by Kinshasa emphasizes the alignment between President Félix Tshisekedi and President Évariste Ndayishimiye on security matters, particularly regarding the conflict in eastern DRC, where Burundi has emerged as one of the Congolese government’s most important regional allies.
Ndayishimiye yakorewe ibirori n’abasirikare bakira abashyitsi
