President Ndayishimiye meets African Union mediator on DR Congo peace efforts

The President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, on January 31, 2026, received a delegation led by the African Union’s designated mediator for the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic.

Among the delegation were Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic, Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia, and Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, former President of Botswana.

The delegation’s visit to Burundi comes as part of efforts to implement recommendations adopted during a high-level meeting held in Lomé on January 16 and 17, 2026. That meeting focused on strengthening coordination and reinforcing the peace process in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern DRC.

Upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, the African Union mediator and his delegation were welcomed by Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edouard Bizimana.

President Ndayishimiye and President Gnassingbé first held a private, one-on-one discussion. This was followed by an expanded meeting with members of both delegations, during which participants exchanged views on ways to consolidate peace and stability in the region.

During the talks, the African Union mediator listened to Burundi’s position on the crisis. President Ndayishimiye, who is set to assume the presidency of the African Union in February 2026, welcomed the visit and described it as strategic and timely. He noted that such consultations help strengthen the credibility of the African Union’s mediation mechanism and provide a constructive platform for concerned countries to voice their concerns and expectations.