In Bujumbura, the Congolese and Burundian defence ministers announced stronger joint operations against armed groups along their shared border, on the sidelines of an African Union meeting.
Bujumbura, 21 September 2026 — Military cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi was reaffirmed on the sidelines of the 18th ordinary session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security, held last weekend in the Burundian capital.Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, Congo’s defence minister, and his Burundian counterpart, Marie-Chantal Nijimbere, agreed to strengthen the alliance between the two states. The stated aim is to combat rebel movements and “negative forces” operating along a porous border and threatening the stability of both countries.The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and Burundi’s National Defence Force (FDNB) are placing emphasis on more regular joint operations. For South Kivu territories near Lake Tanganyika Uvira, Fizi and the roads toward Gatumba — that coordination still shapes daily security, trade and cross-border movement.Addressing the African forum, which brought together 43 countries, the Congolese minister stressed the urgency of a continental response to insecurity in eastern DRC. He insisted on respect for Congo’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and on strict observance of the ceasefire.Kabombo also called for effective implementation of the Doha and Washington commitments, and for enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773. African delegations present underlined the need for tighter cooperation against terrorism and cross-border threats.As of Monday, no new operational details — timetable, target areas or a joint command mechanism — had been made public beyond this political pledge. Fighting continues in the Kivus, and the practical effect of the Bujumbura announcement will depend on whether it is translated into coordinated action on the ground.
