In 2024, a historic agreement to revitalize military cooperation was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This agreement, the result of many years of partnership, was concluded in Beijing, the Chinese capital, during the forum on China-Africa cooperation.
The defense ministers of these two nations, Dung Jun for China and Guy Kabombo for the DRC, sealed this agreement aimed at strengthening military cooperation in various key aspects such as military training, exchange of experiences and the supply of military equipment. An important step in consolidating ties between the armies of the two countries.
More specifically, the FARDC will benefit from technical support aimed at strengthening their operational capabilities, a crucial measure in the face of the security challenges facing the country. The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, met with the CEO of the Chinese arms industry company “Norinco”, a company renowned worldwide for its expertise in the defense sector.
This meeting provided an opportunity to explore areas such as cutting-edge technology in defense and security, thus underlining the commitment of the two countries to strengthen their strategic and comprehensive partnership. Indeed, cooperation between China and the DRC, which dates back to the 1970s, has materialized through emblematic projects such as the construction of the Stade des Martyrs and the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa, as well as the training provided by Chinese experts to FARDC units.
This new step in Sino-Congolese cooperation, placed under the banner of solidarity and mutual trust, reflects the desire of Heads of State Félix Tshisekedi and Xi Jinping to consolidate ties between their respective nations. Beyond strategic interests, this agreement is of capital importance in building a more stable security future for the DRC, thus strengthening its position on the international scene.