China's Secret Army in Africa

 Nine Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are spread in more than 40 African countries.

Beijing DeWe Security Services has 20,000 security-personal, largely drawn from retired PLA personnel, in African countries -- Sudan, South Sudan, Mozambique, Senegal and Angola engaged in guarding, escorting, maritime protection and site protection for Chinese interests.

China Security Technology Group, which was formed in 2016 has 30,000 security personnel, also drawn from ex-PLA ranks, placed in Algeria, Sudan, South Sudan and other African countries. These security personnel provide armed protection, armed 

escorts

 and help in security assessment for China-led projects in the continent.

Another Chinese security firm, Hua Xin Zhong An Security has 21,000 security personnel manning BRI projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and other African countries, while China Overseas Security Group has 20,000 well-trained security personnel to guard China-led projects in all BRI zones of Africa.

Similarly, firms like Genghis Security Advisor, VSS Security, Shandong Huawei Security Group, ZhongjunJunhong Security Service Co have their security personnel to protect and guard China-led oil and gas companies, rail, road and port projects in different parts of Africa. 

As per Beijing-based China Overseas Security and Defence Research Centre, Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) spend around $10 billion annually on security of Chinese interests in Africa and other parts of the world.

People Liberation Army: China allegedly deploying huge no of ex-PLA personnel in Africa - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)