
“In a statement read by Congolese army spokesman Major General Sylvain Ekenge, soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) were urged not to establish or maintain contacts with the Rwandan FDLR rebels. “The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo hereby inform all military personnel of any rank that they are strictly and uncompromisingly prohibited from entering into or maintaining any contact, for any reason whatsoever, with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda,” the statement read, a copy of which was obtained by POLITICO. CD” (Politico.CD – ‘DRC: FARDC soldiers banned from maintaining contact with FDLR’ 22.11.2023).
That the FARDC released this statement is very telling. The Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces have tried to distance itself and keep it shielded from the world to know. The FARDC have made several deals apparently and this is why the Wazalendo is also participating in the combats against the M23 in Province of Nord-Kivu.
The DRC Authorities are in a pickle here as they are collectively using “militias” with a questionable reputation. They are aligned themselves with “genocidaires” and guerrilla fighters, which isn’t representing the sovereign nation or the cause of the DRC. No, they are aligned with armed groups that have sole missions and would be in conflict with other sovereigns in the Greater Lakes region as well. Just like the other proxy militias that have intelligence, arms supply and even training from the likes of Rwanda, Uganda and even Burundi. Therefore, these sorts of enterprises isn’t new.
That the FARDC is revealing it now. It comes as no surprise, as the speculations and the admission in itself just shows what sort of bedfellows the state has. The FDLR isn’t the friendly neighbourhood watch. No, it is genocidal guerrilla outfit, which are there to end the regime in Kigali, Rwanda. They are now fighting the M23, as they are believed and could easily be sponsored by the Rwandan government. That wouldn’t be shocking and there are also ties to Kampala. Therefore, in the interests of FDLR. This is a beneficial enterprise, as they get to weak and stop the progress of Kagame’s men within the DRC. While the FARDC gets more guns into combat and possibly strengthen its ranks by the alliance.
We knew the ones in the realm of M23 and supporters of their cause was saying FDLR was a part of the mission. However, that wasn’t verified and they could have said so just to vilify the enemy. That part of warfare isn’t new and is common practice. Alas, the reality is that the FARDC and the DRC government have now said this.
We should expect them to continue to be on the battlefield. As they are allies and they are brothers-in-arms. I don’t expect them to leave or stop fighting the M23 in Nord-Kivu. They will be there and FARDC will say it’s “hearsay” or “propaganda”. While everyone knows the FDLR and how they operate. Therefore, this here is a foolish enterprise, but proves what sort of people the DRC Government trusts to defend itself at the moment.
This also shows how the FARDC has to align itself with guerrillas and mercenaries to be able to fight an insurgency. It doesn’t have enough trained personnel or guns to beat it alone. The borders and the integrity of fragile. When the likes of M23 can easily violate it and make attempts to control more territories. That is a defeated national state and this is what surely depresses Kinshasa.
Kinshasa is just seeing Goma and the Province of Nord-Kivu burning. While it cannot stop the fire. They have no fire-trucks or enough fire-men to pull it off. That’s why it takes in random people hoping they can fix. However, I wouldn’t trust them, but then again, I’m not the FARDC or the high ranking officials vouching for the FDLR. Peace.















