The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has directed the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to develop a detailed execution plan for a military cooperation initiative with Egypt. This directive follows the recent official visit of the Congolese Head of State to Cairo, where he met with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi.
The two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation between their nations, emphasizing shared historical struggles for sovereignty, independence, and the dignity of African peoples. During the 92nd meeting of the Council of Ministers held on June 12, 2026, in Kinshasa, President Tshisekedi underscored his commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African countries, focusing on development and mutual interests.
Concrete steps toward enhanced military collaboration
The visit resulted in the signing of several cooperation instruments covering investments, political and diplomatic consultations, urban development, and health. These agreements reflect a shared determination to translate the partnership into tangible benefits for both populations.
A key outcome of the discussions was the decision to significantly bolster military cooperation. To implement this, President Tshisekedi tasked the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, in coordination with the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, to finalize and submit a comprehensive execution plan for training Congolese military personnel in Egypt.
A strategic move amid regional security challenges
This initiative comes at a critical time as the DRC continues its efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance operational capabilities in response to persistent security threats in the eastern part of the country. The ongoing conflict, fueled by external aggression attributed to Rwanda through the M23 rebel alliance, has led to significant territorial losses in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Strengthening defense partnerships is seen as a vital step toward safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability.
The planned training program is expected to play a pivotal role in equipping Congolese soldiers with advanced skills and knowledge, thereby reinforcing the country’s defense posture.
