EAC & Trade/Investment: Burundi’s ties with Kenya were highlighted during Kenya’s 64th Independence anniversary celebrations, with officials pointing to growing people-to-people links through business, education and entrepreneurship. Diplomacy & Peace: Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye met a Congolese opposition and religious delegation in Bujumbura, framed as AU-led dialogue to ease tensions in the DRC. Russia Partnership: Ndayishimiye and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov agreed to back African-led peace efforts and discussed cooperation spanning energy, health, agriculture, transport and investment; Lavrov also invited Burundi to the October 2026 Russia-Africa summit. Energy & Industry: Burundi and Russia discussed small nuclear power plants with Russian technical support, alongside possible investments in chemical plants to reduce transport risks. Public Health: Africa CDC urged sustained support as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda surpassed 600 deaths, while noting no confirmed cases in Rwanda or Burundi. Business Disruption: A major fire destroyed much of Ngozi’s main market, killing one person and prompting rehabilitation plans. Human Capital & Language: Burundi hosted the 7th Kiswahili promotion conference, pushing wider Kiswahili use in education, trade and AI. Security/Legal: Burundi courts sentenced a man for leaving Dzaleka Refugee Camp without authorization and running an unapproved business.