The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), General Christian Tshiwewe, was on a mission to command and control FARDC units in Tshopo province when, during a parade, he railed against the presence of traitors at all levels within the army.
During his speech, General Tshiwewe recalled that the army is apolitical and warned political actors of all tendencies who seek to associate the military with their fights and political convictions. He also urged the military to be neutral and loyal.
Indeed, the Chief of Staff deplored the current situation and the lack of loyalty among some soldiers, who have started to create political groups in military camps. Unfortunately, this situation harms the neutrality and apoliticism of the military institution.
General Christian Tshiwewe thus invited the military to remain focused on their mission to protect national sovereignty and Congolese territorial integrity, in accordance with the oath they took.
This address, which took place in Kisangani, capital of Tshopo, took place within the framework of a mission of command and control of FARDC units in this province in the east of the country. General Tshiwewe held an important meeting there at the command headquarters of the 3rd defense zone, for all the commanders of the Kisangani garrison units and those of the 3rd defense zone.
He thus recalled that the army has a single supreme commander, the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, and that his actions should not be guided by political considerations.
However, the lack of loyalty and the absence of neutrality among some soldiers are not the only challenges of the Congolese army. Urban crime in Beni, the political situation in the DRC or the return of Joseph Kabila to the political scene are major issues that impact the stability of the country.
It is therefore important that the army concentrates on its role of protector of national sovereignty and Congolese territorial integrity, while remaining attentive to the socio-political issues of the country.