Democratic Republic of Congo president Félix Tshisekedi has hired Russian mercenaries for his protection due to his insecurities and distrust of the nation’s security forces.
During the swearing-in ceremony of his new army Chief of Staff General Jules Banza on Monday, Tshisekedi was surrounded by Russian mercenaries even as he inspected the guard of honour.
Tshisekedi hired the foreign mercenaries following attempted coup d’etat which was narrowly foiled last year in May.
On the other side, Tshisekedi is also seeking protection due to the advancement of Corneille Nangaa and his AFC/M23 rebels who continue to edge closer to Kinshasa from the eastern region.