Articles
Egyptian-Congolese relations: sustainable cooperation and partnership across the Nile
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Prepared by: Dina Lamloum
Coordinator of the African Affairs Unit
Introduction
The historical development of Egyptian-Congolese relations
Both the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have deep historical ties that extend back to the 1960s, when Cairo played a pivotal role in supporting independence and liberation movements in Africa. It was one of the most prominent countries that contributed to supporting Kinshasa’s struggle against Belgian colonialism. In this regard, Egypt provided all possible support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser supported leader Patrice Lumumba in his right to represent the central government, until the Congo achieved independence on June 30, 1960. The Egyptian media also contributed to exposing the practices of Belgian colonialism aimed at spreading strife and supporting separatist movements that aimed to continue exploiting the country’s resources, and Egypt’s support for the unity of the Congo against secession attempts.
Moreover, Egypt embraced the family of the freedom fighter Patrice Lumumba – his wife and children François, Patrice and Juliana – the founder of the Congolese National Movement Party and the country’s first prime minister after independence. In the face of the armed unrest that Congo witnessed in 1977, the latter sought the help of Egyptian military experts, in addition to forces from other countries. A military, technical and training cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries on February 8, 1980., Egypt also continued its support for the stability of the Congo through its participation in the United Nations Mission for Peace in country, which aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Congolese army in confronting armed movements involved in illegally plundering wealth in the eastern regions of the country.
Also, Egypt played a leading role during its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council 2016-2017, chairing the Special Sanctions Committee for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is tasked with supporting national and regional efforts to achieve peace and confront armed groups; stressing the importance of stability in eastern Congo as a fundamental key to peace and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The Congo Sanctions Committee was established in March 2004 by Security Council Resolution No. (1533) With its provisions amended in March 2008 by Resolution (1807), to activate the arms embargo on armed movements in eastern Congo, and impose sanctions including a travel ban and freezing the assets of individuals and entities that threaten the stability of the country.[1]
Dimensions of relations between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
1- Political dimension:
Relations between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have developed over a history of ongoing political cooperation, with consultations and coordination between the two countries’ leaderships continuing at the highest levels, with a focus on the situation in the Congo, bilateral relations, and African and regional issues of common interest. These distinguished relations have remained constant despite the changing leadership in the Congo and the keenness of all its presidents – starting with former President Mobutu Sissiko and passing through Presidents Laurent and Joseph Kabila All the way to the current President Felix Chisekedi – to strengthen close ties with Egypt. In February 2019, two weeks after Chisekedi officially assumed the presidency in January, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with his Congolese counterpart on the sidelines of the African Summit in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, El-Sisi congratulated the Congolese on the success of the various elections, and stressed Egypt’s keenness to continue supporting development in their country through various technical and cooperative fields.
On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents one of the major countries in the Nile Basin, as it is the source of the White Nile and one of the Great Lakes countries, which makes consultation and cooperation between the basin countries necessary to ensure the achievement of everyone’s interests. Egypt expressed its appreciation for the Congolese initiatives aimed at reaching a comprehensive consensus that guarantees water security for all parties.
Historically, President Mobutu was the one who pushed for the nomination of Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, as part of efforts to represent the African continent in a balanced manner, especially among English and French speakers. Mobutu had a direct role in proposing Boutros-Ghali’s name on the list of candidates. At the African political level, the Democratic Republic of the Congo supported Egypt in winning membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2016-2017 for the African seat of North Africa. It also cooperated with Egypt in the African Peace and Security Council to defend the continent’s interests in the face of violence and extremism. During Egypt’s presidency of the African Union, Chesikidi expressed his great confidence In President Sisi’s ability to successfully lead the African organization; praising his leadership qualities and Egypt’s constant keenness to support the values and ideals of the continent.[2]
2- Military and security cooperation:
In March 2025, Egypt and the Republic of the Congo signed the protocol on cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of expertise, during the visit of Egyptian Defense Minister General Mohamed Zaki to Kinshasa, where issues of common interest in various military fields were discussed. The meeting stressed the importance of coordination and joint work to raise the level of military cooperation between the two countries, and national security challenges in both countries were discussed.[3]
In January 2023, Egypt received the then Congolese Minister of Defense, and it was emphasized how proud the Egyptian leadership was of military relations with the Congo and the importance of coordinating military efforts between the armed forces of the two countries, with the Congolese side praising Egypt’s support for the African continent to achieve security and stability.[4]
In October 2024, the Arab Organization for Industrialization in Egypt began supplying light weapons and ammunition to the Congolese Armed Forces to enhance their military capabilities, as part of a security cooperation agreement signed between Egypt and the Congo in May 2022.
In December 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with high-level Congolese officials to discuss enhancing cooperation in several areas, including security and stability. The president emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to include developing economic, development, and security relations.[5]