Add as a preferred source on GoogleVectus Global Team Linked to Erik Prince Ambushed in Congo
About 20 people were killed or wounded in the Sept. 17 attack in South Kivu. Former UFC competitor Tim Kennedy suffered three gunshot wounds to his leg.
A Vectus Global team linked to Erik Prince was ambushed Sept. 17 while traveling between locations in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaving about 20 people dead or wounded in an attack involving personnel tied to a mineral-tax and anti-smuggling operation.
The dead included at least seven Congolese nationals and a former member of New Zealand’s Special Forces. Former U.S. Green Beret and UFC competitor Tim Kennedy suffered three gunshot wounds to his leg and was receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington as of Oct. 9. Another foreign contractor was also among the casualties.
Prince’s operation initially focused on helping Congo’s finance ministry collect mineral taxes and reduce smuggling. Its personnel later deployed to Uvira in January and early February 2026 after an arrangement was reached for M23 fighters to withdraw from the city.
The identities of the attackers have not been established. Rwanda denies supporting M23.
A Vectus representative, the U.S. State Department and Walter Reed declined to comment.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo produced an estimated 230,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2025, compared with 310,000 metric tons worldwide, accounting for about 74% of global mined output. The country suspended cobalt exports in February 2025 and replaced the suspension with quotas beginning Oct. 16, 2025.
The quota system allows 96,600 metric tons annually in 2026 and 2027, including a 9,600-metric-ton strategic quota.
Simon Yoon
ReporterSimon Yoon reports on blockchain technology for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.