DRC–Egypt military ties: Tshisekedi orders execution plan for Congolese soldier training
- Security
President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to develop an action plan for training Congolese military personnel in Egypt, following a high-level bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo.
This directive comes as part of a broader effort to enhance strategic partnerships between the DRC and African nations, focusing on capacity building and mutual development.
The recent state visit to Egypt by President Félix Tshisekedi has yielded key decisions to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. The 92nd Council of Ministers meeting, held on June 12 in Kinshasa, confirmed these developments.
During the June 10–11 talks in Cairo, both leaders reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation rooted in shared African values of sovereignty and dignity. The meeting also highlighted Egypt’s commitment to supporting African development initiatives.
Military cooperation takes center stage
A major outcome of the discussions was the agreement to significantly boost military ties. President Tshisekedi, in particular, emphasized the need to modernize the DRC’s defense sector to address ongoing security threats in the eastern provinces, where armed groups continue to challenge state authority.
As part of this initiative, the Congolese Head of State has tasked the Ministry of Defense and the FARDC leadership with finalizing a detailed execution plan for training Congolese soldiers in Egypt. This program aims to enhance operational readiness and strengthen the capacity of the national armed forces.
The decision reflects Kinshasa’s broader strategy to diversify international partnerships and leverage African expertise in defense and security. The move is expected to complement ongoing efforts to stabilize the eastern DRC and reinforce the FARDC’s operational capabilities.
The military cooperation agreement between the DRC and Egypt underscores the importance of regional solidarity in addressing security challenges. By investing in human resource development, the two countries are laying the groundwork for a more robust and self-reliant defense architecture in Central Africa.