Africa-Press. The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, departed from Israel on Wednesday, September 2, concluding a three-day working visit during which he held discussions with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks focused on ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation.
This visit, Tshisekedi’s second to Israel since taking office, was made at the invitation of President Herzog, as part of efforts by Kinshasa and Tel Aviv to elevate their relationship from political rapprochement to practical partnerships and projects, particularly in the fields of security, defense, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology.
During the meeting with the Israeli President, Herzog emphasized the importance of relations between Israel and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting that the two countries cooperate in many areas and appreciating what he described as Tshisekedi’s support for Israel on the international stage.
Herzog stated, “The relations that bind us to the Democratic Republic of the Congo are extremely important to us. They are excellent relations,” adding, “We cooperate and work together in many fields. We appreciate your support for Israel on the international stage, and this visit reflects the depth and importance of these relations.”
Tshisekedi also held discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, focusing on security and defense issues, as well as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology.
The Congolese President expressed that his country seeks to build a more organized, realistic, and effective partnership with Israel that serves the interests of both peoples, explaining that the discussions also addressed several international and regional issues, along with the challenges of peace and security facing both countries.
Tshisekedi noted that the security and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was also present during the discussions, reaffirming his country’s commitment to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. He stated, “I reaffirmed my country’s steadfast commitment to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.”
Regarding the Middle East, the Congolese President reiterated his country’s commitment to the security of Israel while simultaneously calling for the protection of civilians, respect for international law, and the continuation of dialogue as a means to address regional crises.
Tshisekedi’s visit comes amid increasing rapprochement between Kinshasa and Tel Aviv, following a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in November 2025, which also reflected the desire of both parties to strengthen political, economic, and security relations.
The relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Israel are not limited to political communications, as cooperation between the two countries has taken on an increasing security dimension since 2024, with Israeli contractors participating in the protection of President Tshisekedi and training several members of the Republican Guard.
According to sources, Israeli advisors also participated in training two battalions of Congolese special forces, while cooperation in defense, security, and advanced technology remains among the key topics discussed during the Congolese President’s visit to Jerusalem.
However, neither side announced the signing of specific contracts or the unveiling of new projects in the military or security fields during the visit.
The relationship between Kinshasa and Tel Aviv gains additional importance amid ongoing tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, against the backdrop of the security situation in the eastern part of the country.
Israel supports American mediation aimed at reaching a settlement between Kinshasa and Kigali, and the Congolese delegation discussed ways to implement the agreement reached under U.S. sponsorship.
At the same time, Israel maintains military cooperation relations with Rwanda, as the Israeli ambassador in Kigali met in March with the Rwandan Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides. Reports have also indicated the presence of Israeli-made military equipment within the Rwandan military arsenal.
Diplomats believe that Kinshasa’s openness to Israel represents an attempt to diversify its security and diplomatic partnerships, as well as to find an additional channel for communication regarding its stance on the conflict with Rwanda.
