DR Congo buys over 100 armoured vehicles from UAE supplier
Purchase from Abu Dhabi’s International Golden Group comes amid eastern unrest and scrutiny of UAE’s role in Africa
KINSHASA, Congo (MNTV) — The Democratic Republic of the Congo has acquired more than 100 armoured vehicles from Abu Dhabi–based International Golden Group in one of its largest recent military purchases, officials said Tuesday.
The $70 million deal includes Kasser II mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles designed to withstand blasts from explosives and small-arms fire.
Some models are armed with 20 mm cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns.
The vehicles will be deployed in eastern provinces, where Congolese forces have long struggled against dozens of armed groups.
Around 50 units were delivered initially, with another 30 arriving in May at the port of Matadi. The rest are due in the coming months.
The purchase comes as the United Arab Emirates faces U.N. accusations of supplying weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group fighting in Sudan’s civil war — allegations Abu Dhabi denies.
Analysts say Kinshasa’s move shows its urgency to modernise its military, even if it risks criticism from partners advocating tighter arms controls in conflict zones.
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