DRC–Egypt military ties: Tshisekedi orders execution plan for Congolese soldier training
- Security
President Félix Tshisekedi has directed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces (FARDC) to develop a detailed execution plan for training Congolese military personnel in Egypt.
This directive follows a high-level diplomatic visit to Cairo from June 10 to June 11, 2026, where Tshisekedi met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The two leaders reviewed the bilateral cooperation between their nations, emphasizing shared historical struggles for sovereignty, independence, and African dignity on the global stage.
The DRC government’s 92nd Council of Ministers meeting, held on June 12, 2026, in Kinshasa, confirmed that the visit yielded multiple cooperation agreements. These include investments, political and diplomatic consultations, urban development, and health initiatives, all aimed at translating partnerships into tangible benefits for both populations.
“This mission has strengthened our strategic partnerships with African countries, focusing on development and shared interests,” Tshisekedi stated during the council meeting. “The agreements signed reflect our commitment to turning cooperation into concrete results.”
Military cooperation takes center stage
A key outcome of the discussions was the substantial enhancement of military ties between the DRC and Egypt. To operationalize this, Tshisekedi instructed the government to swiftly implement a military cooperation program, including training Congolese soldiers in Egypt.
The President tasked the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, in coordination with the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, with drafting a comprehensive execution plan and submitting it for approval. “The goal is to bolster our defense capabilities and operational readiness, particularly in addressing persistent security challenges in the eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to destabilize the region,” he emphasized.
The eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu remain under threat from the AFC/M23 rebellion, which has been linked to external aggression and controls significant swathes of territory. Strengthening the FARDC’s training and operational capacity is seen as a critical step in restoring stability.
The new military cooperation initiative aligns with the DRC’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance their effectiveness in countering security threats.
