The DRC’s army struggles against the M23 rebels despite significant military spending, due to systemic corruption, poor training, and outdated equipment. Rwanda’s support for M23 exacerbates the situation, while internal cronyism and historical military weaknesses hinder effective governance. Reform efforts are underway, but substantial changes are expected to take time.
Since January, the M23 rebel movement has taken control of strategic cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Goma and Bukavu. Despite the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) numbering approximately 135,000 soldiers in 2022, their inability to reclaim these territories raises critical questions about their effectiveness. In stark contrast, M23 is estimated to have only a few thousand fighters, bolstered by roughly 4,000 Rwandan soldiers.
Systemic corruption within the FARDC has been identified as a primary factor for its weakness. President Felix Tshisekedi’s doubling of military spending to $794 million (€732 million) in 2023 further complicates the dilemma, leading observers to wonder how M23 succeeded in seizing control. Researcher Alain De Neve cites pervasive misappropriation of funds as a significant contributor to declining troop morale and rampant desertions among soldiers, who often resort to extortion for survival.
The FARDC’s lack of operational integrity has led to accusations of the military functioning as a self-serving entity. Director Ciaran Wrons-Passmann described the situation as a “self-service shop,” with military leaders profiting at the expense of soldier welfare. Additionally, senior officers have been known to exaggerate their troop numbers to gain more resources from the government, thus exacerbating the cycle of corruption.
The FARDC faces entrenched challenges, including inadequate training, outdated equipment, and ineffective communication channels. Reports highlight that these shortcomings hinder operational effectiveness when compared to M23’s disciplined strategy tailored for the challenging terrain of North Kivu. Furthermore, the army’s reliance on informal communication methods, such as WhatsApp, hampers coordinated efforts from the central command in Kinshasa.
Cronyism within military appointments marks another significant hurdle for the FARDC. De Neve points out that military leaders are frequently chosen based on loyalty rather than competence, resulting in poor tactical decisions. Moreover, the DRC has encountered problems in retaining qualified military personnel, leading to high turnover rates among senior positions and ongoing instability in leadership.
The DRC’s military history further complicates its current situation. Former President Mobutu Sese Seko deliberately weakened the army structure to prevent potential coups, prioritizing loyalty over national defense. Consequently, the army was infiltrated by various external influences, especially from Rwanda, resulting in contemporary hesitance to negotiate with M23 leaders due to potential infiltration fears.
President Tshisekedi expressed discontent with the military’s legacy, indicating that lack of national loyalty among some troops has hampered effective defense against M23. He emphasized the crucial role of Rwanda’s well-organized military support in M23’s advances. Although efforts are underway to reform the DRC armed forces, meaningful changes will require time, according to government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, as complex historical issues must first be addressed comprehensively.
The difficulties faced by the DRC’s military, including internal corruption, inadequate training, and entrenched historical issues, significantly contribute to its inability to counter the M23 rebel movement effectively. With Rwanda’s military backing M23 and pervasive cronyism within the FARDC, the situation remains complex. Future reform efforts may take time to yield substantial improvements in military efficacy, underscoring the systemic challenges faced by the DRC armed forces in restoring order and sovereignty.
Original Source: www.dw.com
