Kinshasa and Brazzaville Strengthen Military Cooperation for Joint Border Security

February 11, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo are consolidating bilateral military cooperation to enhance security along their shared border, as Deputy Prime Minister of National Defense Guy Kabombo visited Brazzaville to meet with Congolese counterparts. According to Kabombo’s office, the visit aims to fortify mutual trust and promote a strategic rapprochement between the two neighboring countries. Charles Richard Mondjo, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Congo, emphasized that the discussions are designed to strengthen diplomatic ties and address common security challenges, while ensuring that the Republic of Congo will not serve as a rear base to undermine regional stability. “I want to clearly reiterate that the Republic of Congo will not undertake any action that could jeopardize the collective security and stability of our region,” Mondjo stated. “Our shared concern is to make these areas safe and controlled, facilitating the smooth flow of traffic to support trade and the development of our countries. Incidents along the 1,200 km river border must be addressed through dialogue and in accordance with national interests, while respecting the bonds of fraternity between our peoples and heads of state.” Both officials highlighted the importance of military training programs, describing them as a platform for dynamic South-South cooperation that contributes to regional stability. Kabombo underscored that the DRC expects neighboring countries to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, and to resist manipulations based on old pretexts. “We aim to transform the eastern part of our country into a reservoir of supported resources,” Kabombo said, stressing the need for practical collaboration to secure national territory. The visit comes amid ongoing Rwandan aggression through the AFC/M23 rebellion, which continues to control large areas in North Kivu and South Kivu, and amid slow progress on diplomatic initiatives in Washington and Doha. Historically, rapprochement between Brazzaville and Kigali has been viewed skeptically in Kinshasa due to Rwanda’s perceived role in destabilizing eastern DRC. Despite these concerns, leaders in Brazzaville and Kinshasa have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to joint security efforts and broader regional cooperation. President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC maintains regular engagements with his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou Nguesso, to address security challenges and other pressing international issues affecting the sub-region.