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Inside Erik Prince’s Mercenary Deal in Congo
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A recent firefight in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulted in the injury of former Green Beret Tim Kennedy and the death of an elite New Zealand ex-Special Air Service soldier, highlighting Erik Prince's expanding mercenary operations in the region.
- Both men were employed by Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater Worldwide, who has been increasingly involved in conflict zones in Africa, particularly in resource-rich countries like Congo.
- The Congolese government, battling a Rwanda-backed rebel group in the eastern highlands, has enlisted Prince's services to strengthen its military efforts and to gain favor with the Trump administration.
- Prince, known for his controversial past including a civilian massacre in Iraq, now plays a central role in one of Africa’s most persistent conflicts, reflecting his growing influence in the region.
