Despite Congolese ruler Felix Tshisekedi’s claim that they are “injecting billions” into the military, the DR Congo’s armed forces (FARDC) remain in an abysmal, dysfunctional state.
The illusion of reform was recently shattered by Lt-Gen. Johnny Luboya N’kashama, military governor of Ituri, who laid bare the dire conditions faced by Congolese soldiers on the frontlines in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
Luboya disclosed that troops are forced to survive on food rations that cover only 15 days out of every month. “This is unsustainable and inhumane,” he stated, highlighting the sheer neglect of soldiers tasked with defending national integrity. Even more damning, the widows of fallen soldiers receive no support from the state. A cruel abandonment that deeply demoralizes those still risking their lives on the battlefield.
The situation is made worse by Wazalendo, an auxiliary force created by Tshisekedi. Wazalendo has earned a notorious reputation for rape, looting, and terrorizing civilians. They have also become a gang of lawless thugs, enriching themselves through despicable acts against the Congolese people.
Tshisekedi’s rhetoric on military reform has been a consistent stream of sugar-coated lies. In March, the Finance Ministry announced that soldiers’ salaries had been doubled, which is a total lie. In reality, many soldiers have gone months without receiving any pay at all.
Meanwhile, senior officials aligned with the regime continue to embezzle the very funds allocated to the army. One such official, Colonel Nkulu Kilenge Delphin, accused of siphoning off military salaries in South Kivu, fled the country. His escape indicates the impunity enjoyed by Tshisekedi’s inner circle.
To sum up. Tshisekedi’s talk of empowering the military is little more than a smokescreen. Under his leadership, the FARDC remains a broken institution, starved, demoralized, and corrupt. Far from delivering peace, it is now seen as an incompetent force, failing the Congolese people it was meant to protect.
ellenkampire