Félix tshisekedi directs defense and FARDC to implement military training plan with Egypt

President Félix Tshisekedi recently briefed the Council of Ministers on the significant outcomes of his official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt. The trip, which took place from June 10 to 11, 2026, was at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi.

During their high-level discussions, the two heads of state conducted a comprehensive review of the bilateral cooperation between their nations. This partnership is deeply rooted in a shared history of advocating for sovereignty, independence, and the dignity of African peoples, as well as strengthening the African continent’s position on the international stage.

The official minutes from the 92nd Council of Ministers meeting, held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa, confirmed that President Tshisekedi reiterated his firm commitment to bolstering the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic partnerships with other African countries. This approach is designed to foster cooperation that directly contributes to development and shared interests across the continent.

“This diplomatic engagement culminated in the signing of several pivotal cooperation instruments covering key sectors such as investments, political and diplomatic consultations, urban development, and health. These agreements underscore the mutual resolve of both parties to direct their partnership towards concrete results that genuinely benefit their respective populations. Following his discussions with President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, several crucial directives were issued,” a government spokesperson conveyed, reading from the official meeting report.

The Council of Ministers’ summary further emphasized that these newly signed agreements unequivocally demonstrate the common will of both nations to advance their collaboration for the tangible benefit of their citizens. Among the most significant decisions reached during the talks between President Tshisekedi and President Al-Sissi was a substantial reinforcement of military cooperation between the two states.

To ensure the swift realization of this vital commitment, President Tshisekedi has instructed his government to implement all necessary measures. This includes the rapid establishment of the agreed-upon program.

“In the defense sector, a significant enhancement of military cooperation was agreed upon, specifically through the creation of a training program for Congolese military personnel in Egypt. The President of the Republic has directed the Vice-Premier Minister, Minister of National Defense, in close coordination with the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, to undertake the required steps for the execution of this program and to present a detailed implementation plan,” the presidential communication stated, as recorded in the meeting’s minutes.

This new chapter in military collaboration between Kinshasa and Cairo unfolds as the Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies its efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen the operational capabilities of its defense forces. These initiatives are crucial in confronting the persistent security challenges in the country’s East, particularly the aggression attributed to Rwanda through the AFC/M23 rebellion, which continues to control extensive territories in the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces.