In Goma, Congo, a conflict has been raging since 2022, with the M23 militia causing destruction and displacement in the North Kivu province. This has led to a desperate situation in eastern Congo, with millions displaced and the tourism industry destroyed. The area is now attracting the attention of mercenaries, including Russian and Eastern European groups, who are circling to see what they can gain. With little international support and even the UN peacekeepers preparing to leave, Congo is looking for assistance wherever it can find it.
Foreign military and commercial actors from Russia, China, the UAE, the US, France, Bulgaria, and Romania are working together to exploit the situation in Congo for maximum benefit. However, history has shown that inviting in foreign military and mercenary groups in Africa has often led to disastrous outcomes. Despite the Russian government’s attempts to portray itself as a genuine ally, its mercenary forces have been accused of exploiting resources and people in African countries for personal gain. This poses a threat to stability and prosperity in the regions where they are present.
Russia has aggressively expanded its military presence in Africa through the Wagner Group, a collection of Russian mercenary outfits previously owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The group has been involved in various countries across Africa, engaging in activities such as torture, rape, and illegal mineral exploitation. The strategy of the Wagner Group appears to be exploiting conflicts in mineral-rich areas to present themselves as a solution, while often prolonging the conflicts in reality. Despite the death of Prigozhin and some Wagner commanders, the group continues to operate in Africa under the new name Africa Corps.
In Congo, the private security contracting business is booming, with various actors, including Romanian mercenary Horatiu Potra, operating in the region. Foreign fighters have been involved in attempted coups and armed operations in the country, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control of the mineral-rich state. Russia’s involvement in Africa, through groups like Africa Corps, aims to extend the influence of the Russian state and challenge Western interests. While countries like the US and France criticize Russia’s actions, behind the scenes, there may be dangerous alliances forming between mercenary leaders and mining investors from opposing countries.
The presence of mercenaries in Congo, whether Russian or Romanian, poses risks and potential benefits for the country. While they may provide temporary security and keep rebel militias at bay, the long-term impact could be further exploitation of the country’s wealth and resources by foreign entities. Despite the risks, in a region where the priority is to keep conflict at bay, politicians and the public may be willing to accept the presence of mercenaries as a temporary solution. With international support dwindling, Congo faces a complex situation where the involvement of foreign actors could determine its future trajectory.
