### Towards a redefinition of the armed forces as a base of Congolese sovereignty
The history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worthy of an epic, oscillating between struggles for sovereignty and ephemeral victories. At the heart of this tumultuous story are the armed forces, the evolution of which has been marked by colonial contexts, interior struggles and external influences. However, beyond a simple military assessment, it is relevant to decide in the social, economic and cultural roots which found this question of the armed forces as a pillar of the nation.
Congolese public forces, in the colonial era, demonstrated a certain professionalism in the face of difficult conditions. Their role was ambivalent, oscillating between repression of rebellions and maintenance of order, while often being perceived as instruments of colonial authority. However, with independence in 1960, the challenge was amplified: to transform an army of repression into a real national army. Far from being a simple passage, this historic turning point constitutes a missed opportunity, aggravated by the 1965 coup which sealed the foundations of a military system often criticized for its drifts.
### The army: between security necessity and development engine
By reassessing the role of the armed forces in the DRC, it is essential to adopt a vision that transcends the simple idea of defense. A modern army must not only protect sovereignty but also participate in the economic and social edification of the nation. Studies show that countries benefiting from an army well integrated into economic development have stronger social cohesion and a higher growth rate. This is particularly true in Africa, where the stabilization of countries plagued by internal conflicts has often been the prelude to economic rebirths.
Take the example of Rwanda, which, after the 1994 genocide, redesigned its armed forces by inscribing them at the heart of the national development strategy. This angle of view made it possible not only to restore order, but also to promote local development initiatives, education and empowerment of young people. By promoting an army as an engine of social change, Rwanda has been able to transform painful scars into ambitious projects relating to the future.
### Building a common national identity
On the other hand, redefine the place of the armed forces in Congolese society also requires an emphasis on inclusion. Congolese national identity is strongly heterogeneous, a mixture of cultures, languages and traditions. The integration of diversity within the army could become a symbol of unity. Programs that provide civic and military knowledge to young people from all regions could promote a feeling of common belonging, essential in a country marked by ethnic and regional divisions.
It is also advisable to question the financing of the armed forces. Currently, the proportion of the budget allocated to the army in the DRC is relatively low compared to security needs. As a comparison, countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are massively investing in the training and modernization of their armed forces, while integrating social programs. A similar approach to the DRC, by allocating sufficient resources both to defense and civil well-being, could propel the country towards sustainable stability.
### A look at the future: an innovative army model
To move forward, the DRC must adopt an innovative vision of its army. The model to be built must combine security and development, while integrating the armed forces in a broader framework of good governance. In this regard, the creation of partnership programs between military institutions and NGOs, higher education establishments and private sectors could strengthen capacity while promoting the commitment of citizens. The army could, for example, play a crucial role in raising awareness of the peaceful resolution of conflicts, by participating in mediation missions in areas affected by tensions.
Thus, the rise of an army perceived as sentry and architect of the future of the country could transform the DRC, which aspires to play a leading role on the international scene. In this spirit, it is crucial to sanctuarize this vision in the Constitution, in order to guarantee long -term stability. A strong, united and resilient Congo requires armed forces which are a mirror of the know-how and the diversity of its people.
### Conclusion: a call to unity and resilience
The DRC’s journey is strewn with pitfalls, but the future can open up to infinite possibilities if the nation can learn from its past. The armed forces must be envisaged not as an end in itself, but as a way towards a conscious citizenship of its role in the construction of a common future. Let us mobilize around this vision, to make Congo an example of resilience and integrated development. This is only a new national story will be able to emerge, that of a country proud of its roots, its struggles and its infinite potential.
Together, let’s work to make the DRC a symbol of pride, not only for its citizens, but for the whole of the African continent.