Tshisekedi Orders Defense Ministry to Develop Plan for Military Training in Egypt

Kinshasa, June 14, 2026 - President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to develop a detailed implementation plan for the training of Congolese soldiers in Egypt, following his official visit to Cairo earlier this week.

The directive was issued after Tshisekedi briefed the Council of Ministers on the outcomes of his June 10-11 visit to Egypt, held at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries across several strategic sectors.

According to discussions presented during the Council of Ministers meeting, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including investment, diplomacy, urban development, health, and defense, with an emphasis on achieving practical results for both nations.

Military cooperation emerged as a key component of the agreements, with both countries committing to expand defense ties through a training program for Congolese military personnel in Egypt. President Tshisekedi subsequently tasked the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense, in coordination with FARDC leadership, with preparing the necessary measures and submitting a detailed roadmap for implementation.

The initiative marks a new phase in military cooperation between Kinshasa and Cairo as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen operational capacity amid persistent insecurity in the eastern part of the country.

The move comes as Congolese authorities continue to confront ongoing armed violence, including clashes involving the AFC/M23 rebellion in parts of North and South Kivu, while seeking broader regional partnerships to reinforce national defense capabilities.