Foreign Military Consultants Engaged in Defense of Goma Against M23 Insurgents
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), retired European military personnel are actively involved in safeguarding the city of Goma from the advances of M23 rebels, who are allegedly backed by Rwanda. This high-risk assignment offers substantial financial compensation, but it also requires facing a well-armed adversary.
One such military veteran, who prefers to remain anonymous, leads a team of 20 operatives from the Bulgarian security firm Agemira. His background includes 36 years of service in the French army, with deployments in various conflict zones such as Mali, Senegal, and Kosovo. Currently stationed in Goma, he oversees operations that provide strategic advice to the Congolese armed forces on countering the M23 militia.
Agemira's responsibilities extend beyond advisory roles; the company is involved in maintaining aerial assets, supplying equipment to local troops, and facilitating arms transactions. The DRC government engaged Agemira's services two years ago, following a resurgence of the M23 militia.
The M23 group has gained considerable territory in North Kivu, a region rich in resources, with reports indicating that they are supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops. In addition to Agemira, the Congolese administration has also contracted a Romanian military outfit known as RALF, which comprises around 800 fighters, many of whom are veterans of the French Foreign Legion.
These foreign forces have established a defensive perimeter around Goma and the vital town of Sake, operating under the banner of a 'noble cause' as articulated by some of the foreign personnel. They perceive their mission as a stand against what they describe as Rwanda's illegal occupation of Congolese territory, which they allege facilitates the exploitation of the DRC's natural resources and contributes to the displacement of millions.
Despite a declared ceasefire in August, hostilities continue to escalate, with the Congolese military struggling against the M23's superior tactical capabilities. The foreign military personnel, while better compensated than their Congolese counterparts--earning between $5,000 and $6,000 a month--are criticized for creating a dichotomy that fosters resentment among local troops.
Local analysts have highlighted the disparities in treatment between foreign operatives and Congolese soldiers, noting that the latter earn only a fraction of what the foreign personnel receive. This difference in pay, coupled with the foreign soldiers' access to better facilities, has been noted to incite jealousy among local forces.
The foreign consultants maintain that their presence is not primarily motivated by financial gain. They describe their undertaking as both a job and an adventure, emphasizing their role more as advisors than combatants. Although some of them carry arms, they assert that their mandate is defensive, only to be employed if Goma or Sake come under direct threat.
Concerns regarding mercenary activities are significant, as legislation in Europe criminalizes such actions. Personnel from Agemira and RALF may be subject to scrutiny by their respective governments during home leaves to ensure compliance with legal standards. Unlike other notorious private military contractors, there have been no confirmed allegations of misconduct or human rights violations connected to Agemira or RALF in the DRC.
In a complex landscape where multiple military entities, including UN peacekeepers and regional forces, are involved, the situation remains precarious. The ongoing conflict reflects a broader struggle for stability in a region plagued by violence, economic interests, and geopolitical tensions.
As efforts towards resolution and peace continue, the role of foreign military consultants in the DRC underscores the intricate dynamics at play in the fight against insurgency and the quest for stability in one of Africa's most tumultuous regions.
