New military partnership between DRC and Egypt: Tshisekedi orders execution plan for Congolese soldier training
new military partnership between Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt: Kinshasa orders swift action on soldier training program
- security
President Félix Tshisekedi has directed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s defense ministry and armed forces to finalize an execution plan for a new military cooperation program with Egypt. The initiative follows high-level talks between Tshisekedi and Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi during a state visit to Cairo earlier this month.
The Congolese leader, speaking during the 92nd council of ministers meeting in Kinshasa, emphasized that this partnership aligns with Kinshasa’s broader strategy to strengthen security cooperation across the African continent. At the heart of this collaboration lies a concrete commitment: the accelerated training of Congolese military personnel in Egyptian institutions.
The agreement comes at a critical juncture as the Democratic Republic of Congo faces persistent security challenges in its eastern regions, particularly the ongoing threats posed by the M23 rebel coalition operating near the borders with Rwanda.
During the June 10-11 Cairo visit, Tshisekedi and Al-Sissi reviewed existing bilateral cooperation frameworks, which span investment, political consultations, urban development, and healthcare. However, military collaboration emerged as a priority focus area.
The signed cooperation instruments demonstrate the shared determination to translate diplomatic engagement into tangible benefits for both populations. Among the key outcomes was a substantial strengthening of military ties, specifically through the establishment of a structured training program for Congolese soldiers in Egypt.
“The President has instructed the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, in coordination with the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), to develop and submit a detailed implementation plan for this training initiative,” the official government communication stated.
The move reflects Kinshasa’s broader modernization efforts for its armed forces, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities in response to regional security threats. This development signals a significant step forward in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s defense partnerships within Africa.