GITEGA, March 5th (ABP) – Burundi Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, met representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Burundi and representatives of international organisations at the presidential palace in Gitega (the political capital and center of Burundi) on Thursday 27 February 2025, to discuss the security situation prevailing in the region, particularly in eastern DR Congo, and to propose his peace plan to them, a check on the site by ABP has revealed.
In his opening remarks, the Head of State, Mr Ndayishimiye, said that that initiative had come about after noting that the international community was working hard to find a solution that would bring peace and security to the citizens of the region, particularly in eastern DR Congo. He added that the Great Lakes region is rich in natural resources and dynamic human resources, but is prey to bloody atrocities. He urged them to think together about how to extinguish the fire in eastern DR Congo, which has been wreaking havoc since 1994 and threatens to engulf the entire region.
“Burundi, true to its principles of peace and solidarity, remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The persistence of conflicts particularly in that part of the country and the prolonged occupation of vast areas by foreign armed forces and groups constitute a serious threat to regional stability”, said Mr Ndayishimiye.
On that basis, he informed them that several reports show that the Congolese population has been dying en masse on a daily basis for decades. Those reports also show that sexual violence has become commonplace and that the number of displaced persons is among the highest in the world, with incalculable consequences in neighbouring countries including Burundi. “I have taken that initiative to create a forum for discussion with you to allay your concerns about the security situation in the east of the DRC, with consequences for the sub-region to which Burundi belongs”, explained the President of the Republic.
It is for that reason that the President of the Republic of Burundi assured participants that Burundi is not a party to that conflict, but that it is present to fulfil a bilateral agreement with the country on common defence. “Burundi is there for the solution and not to take part in the conflict”, he explained.
Despite the many peace initiatives and efforts that have been made to restore peace to DR Congo, Burundi has proposed a five-point peace plan based on the principles of dialogue, regional and international cooperation and respect for national sovereignty.
The plan includes international mobilisation to prevent the conflict escalating, the withdrawal of uninvited foreign forces and the dismantling of local and foreign armed groups, including the RDF, which continue to fuel instability in the region.
Burundi also proposes that the M23 should follow the path of inter-Congolese dialogue; an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance and create an environment conducive to inter-Congolese dialogue, as well as the strengthening of regional and international mechanisms. “We call on all members of the Security Council to support that peace plan in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility to guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of the region”, said Ndayishimiye.
Burundi Head State took the opportunity to propose strengthening the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and ensuring sufficient funding for peace operations in Africa, especially to guarantee the reassurance of peacekeeping forces. Burundi is also calling for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force to be speeded up so that Africa can respond effectively to its own crises. In its view, closer cooperation between the African Union, the United Nations and regional players is essential to ensure a coherent and effective response to those challenges.
On that basis, Burundi reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. He also took the opportunity to reassure certain countries that are calling on their nationals to leave Burundi because of the war in the east of the DRC, which is creating panic among the Burundian population. “Burundi is a peaceful country and is ready to protect its citizens and inhabitants, including foreigners living in Burundi. Our culture has taught us that before waging war on our neighbours, we must offer them peace”, he declared. The President ended his speech by saying that Burundi will remain calm, but that once attacked, Burundians will be obliged to defend themselves.