President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently shared with the Council of Ministers the significant outcomes of his official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt. This visit, held from June 10 to 11, 2026, followed an invitation from his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi.
During their high-level discussions, both heads of state thoroughly reviewed 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, alongside a collective commitment to strengthening Africa’s presence on the international stage.
Through this diplomatic endeavor, as detailed in the minutes of the 92nd Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Kinshasa’s Cité de l’Union africaine, President Tshisekedi reiterated his dedication to forging stronger strategic alliances between the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. These collaborations are specifically designed to foster development and advance mutual interests across the continent.
“The visit culminated in the signing of several cooperation instruments across key sectors including investments, political and diplomatic consultations, urban development, and health. These agreements underscore the shared ambition of both parties to steer their partnership towards tangible results that will benefit their respective populations. Following his discussions with President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, a series of crucial directives were established,” the official meeting report outlined.
The Council of Ministers’ report further emphasized that these newly signed instruments reflect a joint resolve to channel their partnership into concrete achievements for their citizens. Among the most pivotal directives stemming from the talks between President Tshisekedi and President Al-Sissi is a substantial enhancement of military cooperation between the two states.
To ensure this commitment translates into action, President Tshisekedi has tasked the government with implementing the necessary measures for the swift execution of this program.
“In the defense sector, a significant reinforcement of military cooperation was agreed upon, notably through the establishment of a training program for Congolese military personnel in Egypt. The President of the Republic has instructed the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense, in coordination with the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, to undertake the required steps for the implementation of this program and to present a detailed execution plan,” the presidential communication, included in the meeting’s minutes, specified.
This new phase of DRC Egypt military cooperation between Kinshasa and Cairo arrives as the Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies its efforts to modernize its army and bolster the operational capabilities of its defense forces. These initiatives are critical in confronting persistent security challenges across the eastern provinces, particularly the aggression attributed to Rwanda through the AFC/M23 rebellion, which currently controls significant areas within North Kivu and South Kivu.
