Burundian Head of State and President in office of the African Union, Evariste Ndayishimiye, held audiences at the presidential palace of Kiriri on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. During these significant meetings, international partners lauded Burundi's economic advances and its key contributions to peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Among the distinguished guests received by President Ndayishimiye was Ndiamé Diop, Vice-President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, who led a delegation to the presidential palace.
President Ndayishimiye first received Ndiamé Diop, Vice-President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, for a detailed discussion. Diop specifically praised Burundi's economic progress, stating, "J’ai salué les progrès qui ont été réalisés dans le domaine macroéconomique, à travers le plan de stabilisation macroéconomique ainsi que les progrès qui sont en train d’être réalisés dans le secteur énergétique que nous appuyons." This commendation noted the tangible achievements made by Burundi. Following this, President Trump also commended the strong relationship between Burundi and the United States, noting Burundi's key role in peacekeeping operations within the Democratic Republic of Congo, showing the international recognition of Burundi's regional contributions.
World Bank Partnership and Progress
Ndiamé Diop, Vice-President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, and his team engaged in full discussions with President Evariste Ndayishimiye regarding the ongoing partnership with the World Bank. Their agenda included a thorough review of Burundi's development strategy and its key development priorities, aiming to align future support with the nation's most pressing needs. Diop specifically praised the progress observed in the energy sector, which the World Bank actively supports, recognizing the significant strides made in this vital area. He reiterated his earlier statement, emphasizing the positive momentum: "J’ai salué les progrès qui ont été réalisés dans le domaine macroéconomique, à travers le plan de stabilisation macroéconomique ainsi que les progrès qui sont en train d’être réalisés dans le secteur énergétique que nous appuyons." These remarks show the World Bank's appreciation for Burundi's commitment to economic stability and growth.
The discussions between Diop and President Ndayishimiye extended to other key sectors identified as essential for Burundi's sustainable development, including agriculture, transport, and mining. These sectors represent key pillars of the Burundian economy and are areas where World Bank support can have a transformative impact. Diop also noted the importance of the water sector for Burundi, indicating it was a significant topic of their talks, acknowledging its fundamental role in public health and economic activity. Ndiamé Diop reaffirmed the World Bank's steadfast commitment to providing continued and strong support to Burundi in the development of these strategic sectors, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving the nation's development goals. The World Bank's commitment signals a strong partnership aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience and prosperity in Burundi.
US Commends Peacekeeping and Relations
President Evariste Ndayishimiye also hosted Bridget Prémont, the Chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Burundi, at the presidential palace of Kiriri. This meeting further emphasized the diplomatic engagement between the two nations. During this important meeting, Ms. Prémont conveyed a special message from US President Donald Trump to President Ndayishimiye, reflecting the high-level communication between the leaders. President Trump's message included heartfelt congratulations to his Burundian counterpart on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Burundi's independence, a significant milestone for the nation.
President Trump also praised the excellent relations existing between Burundi and the United States, noting their strategic partnership. He particularly acknowledged Burundi's commendable efforts in the context of peacekeeping initiatives within the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognizing the nation's vital contribution to regional stability. According to Bridget Prémont, President Trump "warmly thanks Burundi for its support in the agreement signed between the belligerents in the DRC," showing the United States' appreciation for Burundi's diplomatic and security roles in the region. This message from the US President reinforced the strong bilateral ties and mutual respect between the two countries.
Broader Economic Cooperation
Bridget Prémont, the Chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Burundi, during her audience with President Ndayishimiye, stated that US President Donald Trump commended the efforts of American economic operators present in Burundi. This recognition notes the valuable contributions made by American businesses to the Burundian economy. Ms. Prémont also conveyed President Trump's appreciation for the significant progress achieved in economic cooperation between the United States and Burundi, according to the discussions held at the presidential palace of Kiriri. The US President's remarks, as delivered by Ms. Prémont, signal a positive outlook on the future of economic collaboration and trade relations between the two nations, aiming to further strengthen their mutually beneficial partnership.
