Ambush wounds former UFC fighter and kills ex-New Zealand soldier in Congo
An ambush in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 17 September killed or wounded about 20 people working with forces linked to Erik Prince’s security company, Vectus Global. The reported casualties include former UFC fighter and US Green Beret Tim Kennedy, who was shot in the leg, and former New Zealand special forces soldier Justin Conaglen, who was killed. The incident highlights Vectus Global’s growing role alongside the Congolese army as it battles Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Sources said Kennedy was hit by three bullets in the leg and was being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington. At least seven Congolese people were among the casualties, and one source said villagers may also have been affected. A Congolese government source suggested the attackers may have tracked a surveillance drone to the team’s location; the governments and armed groups approached for comment had not responded.
- An ambush in eastern Congo left about 20 people dead or wounded.
- Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was shot in the leg.
- Former New Zealand special forces soldier Justin Conaglen was killed.
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Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been destabilised for years by M23, a rebel group backed by neighbouring Rwanda. The Congolese government has struggled to contain the insurgency with its own military resources.
The Congolese government has increasingly contracted private security companies to supplement its military efforts. Vectus Global, a company backed by American businessman Erik Prince, has become one of the firms providing combat support to government forces against M23.
The recent ambush highlights the growing involvement of private military contractors in the Congo conflict. Such firms have become increasingly involved in direct military operations alongside government forces, reflecting a shift in how the regional conflict is being prosecuted.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Private security contractors provide specialist military capabilities that resource-constrained governments need to combat well-equipped insurgencies like M23. The Congolese government has sovereign authority to hire professional forces, and well-trained contractors can be more effective than under-resourced national armies whilst helping prevent worse humanitarian outcomes from unchecked rebel advances.
The case against
Private military contractors, particularly those connected to figures with controversial histories, represent mercenary-based warfare that undermines sovereignty and proper institutional development. These operations lack the transparency and legal oversight of traditional military action, raising serious concerns about human rights compliance, and their presence often escalates conflicts rather than resolving them, typically serving corporate or geopolitical interests over genuine civilian welfare.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “At least 20 killed or injured, including popular UFC fighter, as mercenary forces of US Blackwater founder ambushed in Africa”.