In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the army recently reaffirmed its loyalty to President Félix Tshisekedi. Following threats made by the former Inspector General of Police, General John Numbi, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), General Christian Tshiwewe, summoned all units of the army in Kinshasa for a motivational session. The objective of this meeting was to remind the soldiers of their role as defenders of the nation and to reaffirm their allegiance to the head of state.
General Tshiwewe’s message was clear and unequivocal: “You only have one commander, the head of state. We are counting on you to remain faithful to your duty and not to give in to the influences of the enemy.” He also urged the military to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the elections approach, General Tshiwewe has stressed the importance of the neutrality of the army and its role in protecting institutions. During the electoral campaign period, army units will be on high alert to monitor the activities of different candidates and ensure a peaceful electoral process. The general also announced the upcoming deployment of new, recently trained units.
This demonstration of loyalty on the part of the Congolese army is essential to maintain the political stability of the country and guarantee free and fair elections. By positioning themselves as protectors of democracy, the military plays a key role in consolidating President Tshisekedi’s power.
It should be noted that this reaffirmation of loyalty comes as the opposition and certain civil society actors question the legitimacy of the president and demand preconditions for credible elections. The army’s response is therefore a strong signal in favor of maintaining constitutional order and political continuity.
In conclusion, the motivational session of the Congolese army led by General Tshiwewe is a powerful reminder of the military’s allegiance to President Tshisekedi. This demonstrates the important responsibility of the armed forces in protecting democracy and the stability of the country. As the DRC prepares for the upcoming elections, the military will play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process.