The Congolese army’s ongoing struggle against the M23 militia highlights crucial inefficiencies compounded by corruption and inadequate resources. President Félix Tshisekedi’s attempts to address these issues appear insufficient amid rising threats. The M23’s capacity is further strengthened by Rwandan support, complicating the conflict and hindering effective military response.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has revealed deep-seated flaws within its military, notorious for corruption and abuse. Currently, the armed forces are undermanned and poorly equipped, leading to factionalism in ranks and a strategy of maintaining weakness among successive administrations to prevent potential coups. This situation has rendered the Congolese army ineffective against the M23 militia, which has seized significant territory and critical infrastructure within the region.
President Félix Tshisekedi had attempted to bolster military capabilities in anticipation of this conflict, intending to combat the militia’s growing presence. However, as M23 expands its influence, Tshisekedi finds himself increasingly isolated, with dwindling domestic support and stalled negotiations with international partners. Reports suggest that M23 receives backing from Rwanda, which has deployed troops to train and support the militia despite denying direct control over it.
Fred Bauma, the executive director of Ebuteli, a Congolese research institute, emphasized that the conflict has dual dimensions: the Rwandan assistance to M23 coupled with the Congolese government’s internal deficiencies. President Tshisekedi indicated in a recent interview that infiltration by foreign elements within the army is a pressing issue which his predecessor neglected to address. This acknowledgment points to ongoing challenges in securing military integrity and stability.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military struggles significantly against the M23 militia due to longstanding systemic issues such as underfunding, corruption, and fragmentation. Despite efforts by President Tshisekedi to enhance military readiness, the army remains ineffective, exacerbated by external support for the M23 from Rwanda. The situation calls for urgent reforms and international cooperation to stabilize the region and bolster the Congolese military’s capabilities.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
