China and the Democratic Republic of Congo announced enhanced military cooperation during the meeting between the two heads of state, Felix Tshisekedi and Xi Jinping, in Beijing. According to the final communiqué, the two countries are committed to intensifying exchanges between their armies, particularly in the fight against cross-border crime and through joint exercises and training. China has also affirmed its intention to support the DRC in the implementation of its military programming law to strengthen the capacities of its armed forces.
Indeed, last year, the DRC government adopted a military programming law which aims to provide the country with an asset to deal with insecurity and emerging multifaceted threats. This law is a multiannual financial law which sets the deadlines for payment appropriations relating to expenditure on equipment and development of the Armed Forces. It determines the sequences and the rhythm of the operations or purchases to be carried out to achieve the precise objectives of the armed forces.
During the meeting between the two heads of state, other cooperation issues were also discussed. However, the announcement of enhanced military cooperation raises questions and fears from part of the Congolese public. Indeed, several members of civil society and the opposition fear that this collaboration will exacerbate tensions in the region, particularly with neighboring countries. Others highlight the importance of national sovereignty and fear that this cooperation will imply an increased dependence of the DRC vis-à-vis China.
In any case, this announcement shows that the DRC continues to forge strategic partnerships with influential countries on the international scene, particularly in the context of the fight against insecurity in the country and in the region. However, it will be necessary to ensure total transparency on the terms of this cooperation and to ensure that it is actually beneficial for the DRC and its armed forces.