The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is making one of its largest military hardware acquisitions in recent years, securing over 160 armored vehicles from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reinforce its fight against armed groups in the troubled eastern provinces.
The vehicles, including the Kasser II mine-resistant ambush-protected units, are designed to withstand IEDs and small-arms fire — ideal for the volatile conditions in eastern Congo. Already, over 80 units have arrived, with more en route from UAE-based supplier International Golden Group in a deal reportedly worth $70 million. The purchase underscores Kinshasa’s urgent effort to modernize its army amid renewed clashes with the M23 rebel group, despite peace deals brokered in Doha and Washington.
Both sides accuse each other of violating the 19 July agreement, while talks scheduled for early August have stalled, with neither delegation present in Doha. DRC’s army issued a warning that it reserved the right to respond to any further provocations, highlighting the fragility of the current mediation process. Meanwhile, the M23 rebels have accused the Congolese army of mobilizing troops and military weapons in six different sites, indicating a potential escalation.
While the DRC frames the UAE deal as a strategic necessity, it has attracted scrutiny. The UAE’s military role in Africa is controversial, with allegations of arming non-state actors in Sudan fueling skepticism over its intentions. Critics warn the optics of aligning with such a partner could damage Congo’s diplomatic standing. But with tensions escalating and Western arms deals slow to materialize, Kinshasa appears to be prioritizing readiness over reputational risk in a high-stakes regional security equation.
