The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo refutes claims of signing a military cooperation agreement with Russia.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Communication and Media clarified, “There is, to date, no recently signed military cooperation agreement between Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
This denial comes in response to an article published by the Russian state-owned news agency TASS on Tuesday, asserting that Russia’s government had approved a draft military cooperation agreement with DR Congo.
According to TASS, citing a government document, the agreement involved joint drills, military training, and the possibility of warships and warplanes visits upon invitation or request.
DR Congo acknowledges the existence of the draft agreement, initiated by the two countries in 1999 but emphasizes that it has not been finalized or signed.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is not engaged in bilateral discussions with Russia for the implementation of this draft agreement at present,” the communications ministry added.
Russia has been actively expanding its military partnerships in Africa to increase its political influence on the continent. Notably, through the Wagner mercenary group, Russia has provided military support to various countries, including the Central African Republic and the junta-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.