French ex-soldiers eye Africa return as US billionaire seeks security team for DRC mines
French ex-soldiers are being considered for recruitment to secure mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This initiative is connected to the firm of Erik Prince, indicating a trend towards private security in resource-rich African regions.
The DRC's mineral wealth and ongoing instability underlie the necessity for specialized security measures.
The recruitment of French ex-soldiers is linked to a security contract with U.S. billionaire Erik Prince's firm, indicating a growing trend of private military contractors securing high-risk, resource-rich areas across Africa.
According to a report by Africa Intelligence, a ' mysterious' recruiter has been reaching out to former French servicemen, particularly from the elite French Foreign Legion, to offer them a role in the DRC.
The move follows recent peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda, which were part of broader efforts initiated by the United States to address the ongoing regional conflict.
In exchange for stability in the region, the U.S. has gained access to the DRC's mineral wealth, which has long been plagued by issues such as smuggling and corruption.
In April 2025, Reuters exclusively reported that Erik Prince had secured a deal to assist the DRC in securing and taxing its vast mineral reserves.
With the DRC's immense mineral wealth and its ongoing instability, securing mining operations has become increasingly vital.
This has led to the involvement of experienced personnel from around the globe, with French ex-soldiers becoming key players in this growing security landscape.
Details of the security deal
Erik Prince, founder of the infamous private military company Blackwater, has a contentious history in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where his firm has been involved in securing mining logistics since 2015.
According to The Africa Report, Prince initiated talks with the DRC government in early January regarding mineral security, prior to the M23 rebels' major offensive that led to the capture of Goma and Bukavu.
In April 2025, an agreement was reached to help secure and tax the country's vast mineral wealth, particularly in the copper-rich Katanga province.
The deal aims to boost state revenue from mining, which is plagued by smuggling and corruption.
The use of ex-French soldiers
Erik Prince's preference for hiring ex-French soldiers likely stems from their deep experience in high-risk environments, especially in African conflict zones.
With their extensive knowledge of Africa's political and security dynamics, these soldiers bring valuable skills to stabilize volatile regions.
However, this reliance on French military personnel faces rejection in many African countries, particularly in French-speaking nations, where such interventions are often seen as neocolonial or undermining local sovereignty.
This growing pushback is reflected in the increasing replacement of French forces by Russian military presence.
The shift is particularly evident in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and others led by military juntas.
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