The M23 rebel movement has captured key cities in the DRC, exploiting systemic corruption and inadequate training within the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). Despite President Tshisekedi’s military budget increase, issues such as low morale, cronyism, and Rwanda’s military support hinder FARDC’s effectiveness against M23. Reforming the military remains a slow and complex process.
Since January 2025, the M23 rebel movement has gained control of Goma and Bukavu, crucial cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), establishing governance in these regions. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) comprised approximately 135,000 personnel in 2022, although experts believe this number has increased, while United Nations estimates indicate M23 operates with only a few thousand fighters, supported by around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has significantly increased military spending to $794 million (€732 million), raising concerns about how M23 could overpower such a sizable force. Researcher Alain De Neve indicates that systemic corruption within the FARDC is a pivotal factor in its weakness, with reports highlighting the misappropriation of funds meant for soldiers’ salaries and logistics. This corruption contributes to low troop morale and recurrent desertions, with some soldiers resorting to looting local populations for survival.
Ciaran Wrons-Passmann from the German Ecumenical Network for Central Africa describes the FARDC as a self-serving entity, providing opportunities for leaders to enrich themselves. There are reports suggesting that senior military officers in eastern DRC exaggerate their troop numbers to receive more funding from Kinshasa, with financial resources primarily being distributed via the generals, according to Jakob Kerstan of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
The FARDC is further hindered by inadequate training, poor equipment, and ineffective communication, described by Reuters as a force stymied by deep-rooted issues of corruption and low pay. Despite Tshisekedi’s promises of improved soldier salaries, Kerstan notes they remain significantly lower than those of Eastern European mercenaries. Furthermore, the FARDC lacks structured training and combat tactics, rendering it less effective than M23, which utilizes well-adapted strategies for the mountainous terrain of North Kivu.
Cronyism also complicates the military command structure, as commanders are often selected based on loyalty to the regime rather than competence, negatively impacting decision-making. The continuous rotation of military and intelligence chiefs indicates a lack of qualified personnel within Tshisekedi’s administration. Instead of evolving into a professional military, the army has incorporated former warlords and their loyalty networks, leading to parallel chains of command.
Historically, past leaders, such as Mobutu Sese Seko, have deliberately kept the military weak to prevent uprisings, favoring a well-guarded presidential guard. This intrusion and weakening continued under Mobutu’s successors, resulting in further infiltration by Rwanda, a scenario contributing to the government’s hesitance to negotiate with M23 due to fears of internal deceit. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya remarked on past military leadership ties with Rwandan officers, complicating the current situation.
President Tshisekedi has stated that the army has been “betrayed from within” and lacks national loyalty. Researchers point to the significant military support provided by Rwanda as a crucial obstacle for the FARDC in its attempts to combat M23, with Wrons-Passmann highlighting Rwanda’s organized military force.
The DR Congo’s ongoing effort to reform its military is acknowledged by Patrick Muyaya, who cautions that comprehensive reform will take time. The complexities of the situation have drawn attention to the recent aggressions from Rwanda, as President Kagame perceives the unfolding changes within the DRC’s military establishment.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military struggle against the M23 rebel group stems from multiple systemic issues, including widespread corruption, impaired training, and ineffective command structures. Despite increased military spending, low morale due to financial mismanagement has significantly hindered the FARDC’s capabilities. The influence of Rwanda and the historical context of military inadequacies further complicate the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive military reform in the DRC.
Original Source: www.dw.com
