Faith Nyasuguta
A wave of French ex-soldiers may soon return to Africa, not under a national flag, but as private contractors guarding mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move is reportedly linked to U.S. billionaire Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military firm Blackwater, as he expands security operations in one of Africa’s most volatile yet mineral-rich regions.
According to Africa Intelligence, a “mysterious recruiter” has begun contacting former members of the elite French Foreign Legion, offering lucrative roles tied to mining security in the DRC. This recruitment drive is believed to be part of a broader deal connected to Erik Prince’s security and logistics ventures across Africa.
The DRC, which holds vast deposits of cobalt, copper, and other critical minerals, remains plagued by instability, armed groups, and widespread smuggling. These conditions have made security a top priority, especially as global powers, including the United States, seek to gain access to the country’s resources.
In April 2025, Reuters reported that Prince had struck a deal with the DRC government to assist in safeguarding and taxing its mining sector. The agreement focuses heavily on the mineral-rich Katanga province, aiming to reduce corruption and improve government revenues. The move follows U.S.-backed peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda, which were designed to reduce regional tensions and stabilize mining zones.
Prince’s efforts in the DRC aren’t new. His involvement dates back to 2015 when his firm began offering logistics services for mining companies operating in high-risk areas. His renewed engagement, however, comes amid a growing reliance on private military companies to secure assets in fragile African states.
The decision to hire French ex-soldiers has been dubbed strategic. Former Legionnaires are said to be known for their extensive experience in African combat zones, multilingual capabilities, and familiarity with local terrains and power dynamics. It is reported that their presence is expected to bring a higher level of discipline and tactical coordination to security operations in the region.
However, this approach isn’t without controversy. Across several French-speaking African nations, there’s been a growing rejection of French military involvement, perceived as neocolonial interference. Countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have already expelled French forces, turning instead to alternative allies like Russia’s Wagner Group.
The use of French ex-soldiers through private channels could reignite debates around sovereignty and foreign influence. Critics argue that while these contractors may bring expertise, they also blur the lines between national security and corporate interest, especially in fragile states.
Still, the urgency to secure the DRC’s mineral wealth remains. With armed militias, porous borders, and deeply entrenched corruption, the country faces an uphill battle in leveraging its resources for public good. Prince’s private security initiative, bolstered by battle-hardened European veterans, signals a deeper shift in how mineral security is managed in Africa, favoring profit-driven solutions over state-led ones.
As global competition for Africa’s minerals intensifies, the DRC may be turning to unconventional methods to protect its economic lifeline, even if it means inviting back the ghosts of colonial-era soldiers in new uniforms.
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