Blackwater, the American private‑military firm linked to the 2007 Nisour Square shooting, announced a deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 28 September 2024, positioning its operatives alongside government forces in the eastern province of North Kivu.
The M23 rebellion, which seized Goma in 2021, remains a key threat to regional stability. Rwandan troops and logistics reportedly back the rebels, fueling a bitter cross‑border conflict that has displaced over 2.5 million people.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on 30 September, demanding an immediate ceasefire. A joint ceasefire negotiation is scheduled for 15 October in Nairobi, with representatives from the DRC, Rwanda, and the African Union.
Local villagers recount how Blackwater’s arrival has altered the battlefield dynamics. In a small hamlet near Goma, a mother of three says her family now fears for their safety as the presence of foreign mercenaries escalates tensions.
If the ceasefire talks fail, the UN Security Council may impose a new sanctions regime on the M23 and Rwanda. The DRC government has called on the international community to accelerate diplomatic pressure.