Foreign Contractors Linked to Erik Prince Involved in Uvira Offensive

KINSHASA, February 11, 2026 - Foreign military contractors linked to American security entrepreneur Erik Prince were deployed in South Kivu to assist the national army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during operations aimed at retaking the city of Uvira from the M23/AFC coalition, according to security and diplomatic sources.

The coalition seized Uvira on December 9, 2025, and advanced toward Makobola, prompting heavy counter-offensives by Congolese special forces units known as the Hiboux and Cheetah groups. The army used heavy weapons, warplanes, and drones as it attempted to push the fighters toward the South Kivu highlands. Foreign contractors were reportedly brought in to operate drone systems, while Israeli advisers focused on training two Congolese special units to conduct operations both day and night.

On January 17-18, the AFC/M23 withdrew its fighters from the city following a request from the United States, which had pledged the resumption of peace talks in Doha, Qatar, if the movement complied. Government troops and allied Wazalendo fighters re-entered Uvira on the morning of January 18 without major clashes, ending the immediate need for the contractors on the battlefield.

After the withdrawal, the personnel returned to their initial assignment - helping authorities monitor mining revenues and combat embezzlement linked to the country’s mineral sector. One official indicated they had been mobilized to support the recapture of the city using all available resources before resuming financial oversight activities.

Security officials say the government may again rely on the contractors if hostilities resume, suggesting their role could shift back to combat support depending on developments on the ground.