Erik Prince's Involvement in the DRC

Security and Mineral Wealth Initiatives

Erik Prince, the founder of the Private Military Company Blackwater, has re-emerged as a significant figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through agreements aimed at securing and taxing the country's vast mineral wealth. As of May 2025, his activities have sparked interest and controversy, particularly in the context of the DRC's ongoing conflict with M23 rebels and its strategic mineral resources. Below is a summary of Prince's involvement based on available information.

Agreement to Secure Mineral Wealth

In early 2025, Erik Prince secured a $700 million contract with the Congolese government to assist in securing and taxing the DRC’s mineral resources, particularly in the copper-rich Katanga province. According to reports from Reuters and other sources, the agreement focuses on enhancing transparency in mineral extraction, curbing smuggling, and increasing state revenue in a sector plagued by corruption and unregulated mining. The deal, signed with the DRC’s Ministry of Finance, initially planned to deploy advisers to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. However, due to M23 rebels capturing Goma, the focus shifted to southern mining hubs like Kolwezi, where the government estimates losses of up to $40 million monthly due to smuggling and tax evasion.

The specifics of the contract, as confirmed by diplomatic sources in the Great Lakes, remain unclear, but it is described as a logistics and taxation reform initiative rather than a direct military operation. Prince’s team is expected to collaborate with technical experts from a commodity testing and inspection firm to monitor production and improve revenue tracking. While an agreement in principle has been signed, details on the number of personnel and exact deployment sites are still under negotiation, with no confirmed reports of personnel on the ground as of May 15, 2025.

Past Proposals and Unmaterialized Plans

In 2023, Prince was linked to a proposed deal to deploy over 2,000 mercenaries from Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina to North Kivu to secure mining areas and counter the M23 rebel advance. This plan, reportedly brokered by the UAE, did not materialize, and no formal agreement was reached. Similarly, earlier discussions about deploying thousands of contractors to eastern Congo also failed to culminate in a contract. These unfulfilled proposals highlight Prince’s long-standing interest in the DRC’s mineral and security landscape, though they also underscore the challenges of operating in conflict zones like North Kivu, where M23 rebels have consolidated control.

Current Focus: Katanga, Not Kisangani

Prince’s current operations are concentrated in the southern Katanga province, far from the conflict-ridden eastern regions controlled by M23 rebels. The Katanga region, rich in copper and cobalt, is a strategic priority for the DRC government, which seeks to recover lost revenue and strengthen its economic position amid broader U.S.-DRC talks on a minerals-for-security deal. There is no verified evidence that Prince has deployed military troops or advisers in Kisangani, a city approximately 250 miles from M23’s westernmost advance in Walikale. Reports indicate that M23 rebels have not yet reached Kisangani, and Prince’s activities remain geographically and operationally distinct from this region.

Recruitment Efforts and Controversies

Recent posts on X suggest that Prince’s firm has been recruiting personnel, including former French Foreign Legionnaires and Latin American mercenaries, to protect mining operations in the DRC. However, these claims lack corroboration from primary sources, and other sources denied the involvement of French Foreign Legionnaires, emphasizing technical experts and Latin American personnel instead. These conflicting reports reflect public scepticism and the sensitive nature of Prince’s involvement, but no definitive proof confirms active deployment as of May 2025.

The involvement of Private Military Companies (PMC) in the DRC raises concerns about the blurring lines between security and state functions. Critics frame PMC activities as profit-driven, potentially exacerbating local tensions. Nonetheless, the Congolese government appears committed to leveraging Prince’s expertise to address revenue losses in its mineral sector.

Context of M23 Conflict

The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has significantly disrupted eastern DRC, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu in early 2025 and advancing toward Walikale, a strategic mining hub. This offensive has complicated security arrangements in North and South Kivu, where mineral-rich areas are contested. Prince’s shift to Katanga reflects a strategic pivot to avoid direct engagement with M23-controlled regions. The DRC’s broader minerals-for-security negotiations with the U.S., as reported by Africa Intelligence, underscore the geopolitical stakes, with Prince’s role seen as a parallel or interim measure to bolster state control over resources.

Conclusion

As of May 2025, Erik Prince’s involvement in the DRC centres on a $700 million agreement to secure and tax mineral wealth, primarily in Katanga province, with no verified evidence of military troop deployment in Kisangani or elsewhere. While recruitment efforts and planning are underway, logistical challenges and M23’s control of eastern DRC have delayed implementation. Past proposals for large-scale mercenary deployments in North Kivu did not materialize, and current operations focus on technical and logistical support rather than active combat roles. The lack of concrete deployment reports and the speculative nature of some X posts necessitate caution in assessing Prince’s activities. His involvement remains a contentious issue, balancing the DRC’s economic ambitions against the risks of private military engagement in a volatile region.