Rwanda Defence Force

DRC
Army seeks to fit new CH-4 drones with defensive system

The Congolese army wants to protect its unmanned aircraft from the MANPADS of the M23 and their Rwandan army auxiliaries before deploying them in the east of the country.

DRC
Kinshasa turns to Cairo for light weapons

Egypt's Arab Organization for Industrialization defence-industrial conglomerate is supplying the Congolese army with light weapons and ammunition to meet its urgent needs.

DRC
Congolese air force goes prospecting in India

The Congolese military is looking to India for aircraft, with a delegation visiting New Delhi earlier this month.

Rwanda
Turkish defence flagships TAI and Aselsan eye Rwandan opportunities

They are following the example of Turkey’s armaments agency, Savunma Sanayii Baskanligi.

DRC
SADC boosts troop numbers in DRC to prepare for fresh battles with M23

The Southern African Development Community has deployed extra troops to its regional force in eastern DR Congo in anticipation of fresh fighting against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group.

DRC, Rwanda
Kagame attempts to block appointment of EU representative for Great Lakes region

The Rwandan president's interference in the appointment of the future EU special representative for the Great Lakes area is creating unprecedented tensions in Brussels.

DRC
Kinshasa to acquire six new Chinese attack drones

The DRC has taken delivery, albeit with some delay, of a second batch of three Chinese CH-4 offensive drones for transfer to the theatre of operations against the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force in the east of the country.

Inner circles | DRC
SADC regional force chief Monwabisi Dyakopu walks tightrope against M23

After almost four months in charge of a regional intervention force deployed to restore peace to eastern DRC, the South African is frustrated by a shortage of men and resources. And a chronically strained relationship with MONUSCO isn't helping.

Palace Intrigues
Félix Tshisekedi, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Macky Sall, Chantal Biya

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

DRC/FranceTshisekedi turns down football invitation over Rwanda ads

SenegalHow Faye first learned of his election victory

CameroonChantal Biya buries the hatchet

DRC
Tensions in Brussels over Borrell's stance on North Kivu

The line that may be adopted by the EU on the security crisis in eastern DRC is proving controversial. Some member states have criticised the allegedly pro-Rwandan position of Josep Borrell's office.

Central African Republic
Touadéra entrusts training of his new Rapid Intervention Battalion to Rwandan soldiers

Like Cameroon, the Central African Republic has established a Rapid Intervention Battalion, comprising 500 troops, mostly trained by the Rwandan army.