Israeli mercenaries hired to protect DRC President amid M23 rebels onslaught

Information reaching Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has it that President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has hired the services of Beni Tal Security, an Israeli private security firm, to enhance his personal security.

This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, which has raised concerns about the safety of the nation’s leadership.

According to trusted sources in Kinshasa, the president’s office has contracted the Tel Aviv-based firm, founded in 1981 by Colonel Benny Tal, a renowned figure in Israel’s security sector.

Beni Tal Security specializes in high-risk protection services, including VIP security, counter-terrorism, and intelligence support.

DRC President with his security team

The firm’s expertise has been sought by governments and private clients worldwide, particularly in volatile regions.

The decision to enlist foreign security experts has sparked debate within the DRC, with many questioning the capabilities of the country’s own security agencies.

Critics argue that the move underscores a lack of confidence in the Congolese military and police forces, which have been struggling to contain the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in the eastern provinces.

The M23, a predominantly Tutsi-led militia, has been accused of carrying out deadly attacks on civilians and Congolese armed forces, further destabilizing the region.

The group’s recent advances have forced thousands to flee their homes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area. President Tshisekedi has repeatedly vowed to quell the rebellion, but the conflict has shown no signs of abating.

In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for the president’s office defended the decision to hire Beni Tal Security, emphasizing the need for “world-class expertise” in ensuring the safety of the head of state during these challenging times.

“The security of the president is paramount, and we are leveraging international partnerships to address the complex threats facing our nation,” the spokesperson said.

However, opposition leaders and civil society groups have expressed concerns over the implications of relying on foreign security firms.

“This move raises serious questions about the state of our national security institutions,” said Jean-Pierre Mbelu, a prominent Congolese political analyst. “If our own agencies cannot protect the president, what does that say about their ability to protect the citizens?”

The Congolese government has yet to disclose the terms of the contract with Beni Tal Security or the duration of their engagement.

The M23 Rebellion

The M23 rebels have been wreaking havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern region of North Kivu.

The group, primarily composed of Tutsis, has been accused of committing widespread war crimes, including summary executions, rape, and forced recruitment of child soldiers.

The M23 rebellion has its roots in a 2009 peace treaty between the Congolese government and the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), a Tutsi-dominated rebel group.

However, the treaty’s provisions were not fully implemented, leading to the formation of the M23 movement in 2012.

The rebels have been active in several territories, including Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo.

Their operations have resulted in significant human suffering, with reports of massacres, forced displacement, and sexual violence.

The international community has condemned the M23’s actions, with the United Nations Security Council encouraging sanctions against the group’s leaders.

Rwanda has also been accused of supporting the M23, which has led to increased tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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