General Christian Tshiwewe, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), recently denounced the presence of traitors at all levels of the army, during a parade in the province of Tshopo. This firm and assertive statement testifies to the importance given to loyalty and neutrality within the Congolese army.
In his speech, General Tshiwewe stressed that the army was apolitical and warned political actors not to bind the military to their political beliefs. He also urged the military to remain loyal and not get involved in politics.
The leader of the Congolese army thus warned against the creation of political groups in the military camps, reminding the soldiers that their mission was to protect the national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country as well as the population.
This speech comes within the framework of a mission of command and control of FARDC units in the province of Tshopo. General Tshiwewe wants to inquire about the general situation of the 3rd defense zone, the largest in the country, which includes the provinces of Tshopo, Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Maniema, North and South Kivu.
The Chief of Staff also warns against traitors who, according to him, are present at all levels of the Congolese army, and who leak plans and sensitive information to third parties. He thus reminded the soldiers of the importance of loyalty and neutrality within the army.
In short, General Christian Tshiwewe’s speech bears witness to the importance given to loyalty and neutrality within the Congolese army. This is a clear warning to political actors who try to impact the military, as well as to soldiers who might be tempted to get involved in politics.