Africa-Press. According to four informed sources, Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater and a close ally of Donald Trump, has deployed a private security force to operate drones in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army, aiming to secure the strategic eastern city of Uvira against M23 rebels.
The rebels briefly seized Uvira, near the Burundian border, last December before withdrawing following U.S.-Congolese understandings linked to mineral resources. This marks the first known frontline involvement of a force associated with Prince in the Congo, expanding his role in a conflict that has lasted for decades.
Sources said Prince was appointed by the Kinshasa government to help strengthen security and improve tax revenue collection from the mining sector. However, the Uvira mission followed an urgent request to support special forces and the national army.
Security support in exchange for minerals
A senior Congolese security official said the presence of U.S.-linked contractors could deter the M23-led Alliance of Democratic Forces for Change, which may be reluctant to risk a direct confrontation with Prince-associated personnel.
The United States has offered diplomatic support to help end the conflict in return for access to Congo’s critical minerals. It remains unclear whether Prince’s frontline role received formal approval from Washington.
Sources said Prince’s team was deployed to Uvira at Kinshasa’s request before later withdrawing and returning to its core task of improving mining revenue collection. Further frontline deployments could occur if requested by Congolese authorities.
Prince-linked contractors reportedly provided drone-based air support to Congolese special forces and the army in Uvira and the South Kivu highlands.
Israeli trainers involved
Another source said Prince’s contractors coordinated with Israeli advisers who trained two Congolese special forces battalions in day and night operations. Their role was limited to training, according to the source.
The United Nations and Western countries accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 movement, a claim Kigali denies. A U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed between Rwanda and Congo last June did not include the M23 group.
