MWE Correspondent
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has raised concerns over what he described as continued foreign interference in the security situation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that peace in the eastern region remains fragile despite ongoing regional efforts.
Speaking on Thursday during a major youth gathering in Bujumbura, President Ndayishimiye said that although Burundian troops are stationed in eastern DRC under regional security cooperation, the instability persists largely because of actors “coming from outside the country.” He did not directly name any neighbouring state, including Rwanda, but his comments echoed long-standing tensions within the Great Lakes region.
According to local coverage of the event, the president told young people that sustainable peace in the DRC requires unity and sincerity among regional governments. He emphasized that the crisis cannot be solved if external players continue to fuel conflict, either directly or through armed groups operating across porous borders.
The presence of Burundian forces in the DRC is part of a wider initiative aimed at securing troubled areas in North Kivu and South Kivu, territories that have suffered repeated violence caused by armed movements, resource disputes, and political rivalries. For years, diplomats and analysts have warned that the region’s complex history has allowed foreign involvement to deepen mistrust among neighbouring states.
Ndayishimiye’s remarks come at a moment when regional blocs such as the East African Community and the African Union are pushing for greater collaboration to address insecurity in the eastern DRC. Peacekeeping efforts and joint military operations have been frequently attempted, though political sensitivities often shape how governments publicly address the situation.
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During his speech, the Burundian leader called on young people to take a leading role in advocating for peace and resisting narratives that divide communities. He noted that a peaceful Great Lakes region would open opportunities for economic growth, mobility and social stability across member states.
Political observers say his comments reflect a growing concern that unresolved tensions could undermine regional integration efforts. Despite several diplomatic interventions, allegations of foreign backing for rebel groups have persisted — claims that have repeatedly strained relations between countries in the region.
Ndayishimiye urged leaders to recommit to dialogue and constructive engagement, stating that the future of millions of civilians depends on the political will of governments to end cycles of conflict.
“If we truly want to see peace in our region, we must stop allowing outside forces to destabilize the DRC,” he said. “Peace cannot flourish where interference and mistrust continue to thrive.”
The president’s message is expected to draw regional and international attention, particularly as instability in eastern Congo continues to displace communities and fuel humanitarian concerns. While no specific state was mentioned, the implications of his remarks are likely to influence ongoing diplomatic discussions among Great Lakes leaders.
