Former Blackwater founder Erik Prince, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, sent a private security group to operate drones and assist the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in retaking the city of Uvira last year. This report by Reuters is based on four sources familiar with the operations. In December, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, marched into eastern Congo and temporarily captured the city of Uvira but retreated following threats of a U.S. response.

Prior to these revelations, the Congolese government had previously contracted Prince to help ensure the collection of tax revenues from the country's mining activities and to provide security. However, emerging information suggests that Prince's private security team's involvement in the conflict was more extensive than initially understood. His spokesperson declined to comment on Reuters' findings, and inquiries made to the offices of the Congolese president and military received no response.

This situation highlights the growing role of private military companies in global conflicts, particularly in regions like the DRC where local governments may rely on foreign assistance for security. As the situation in Congo remains complex and volatile, the implications of privatized security forces in matters of national sovereignty and international relations raise significant questions about accountability and oversight.