Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye flew to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday for a high-stakes meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi.
The discussions primarily revolved around the pressing security situation in eastern DRC, an area marred by persistent conflicts involving various armed groups, notably the M23 rebels.
President Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the president of the Monitoring Mechanism of the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security, and Cooperation for DRC and the region, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address the security challenges that have plagued eastern DRC for an extended period.
The meeting between the two leaders comes at a critical juncture when the region is grappling with the activities of armed groups, contributing to instability and hindering socio-economic development. The M23 rebels, in particular, have been a focal point of concern, engaging in activities that threaten the peace and security of the area.
President Tshisekedi and President Ndayishimiye delved into comprehensive discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the complex security issues. The leaders emphasized the need for a united front and regional cooperation to tackle the root causes of conflicts, foster stability, and pave the way for socio-economic progress in eastern DRC.
The mechanism plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the agreement and ensuring that all signatories actively contribute to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops together with DRC’s FARDC forces are currently battling rebels in the east.
