Congo’s Vast Army Is Struggling
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army is struggling to counter a powerful militia, M23, that has seized major cities, airports, and vast territories in the east. The Congolese military, plagued by underfunding, factionalism, and corruption, has been unable to mount an effective defense. Successive presidents have deliberately kept the army weak, fearing a potential coup, further compounding its dysfunction.
President Félix Tshisekedi attempted to strengthen the military, but his efforts have collapsed under M23’s relentless advance. With domestic support fading, peace talks stalled, and little international backing, his leadership is increasingly isolated. M23’s success is largely attributed to the support of Rwanda, which has trained, armed, and embedded troops with the rebels, a fact confirmed by the United Nations. Rwanda, however, denies direct control over M23.
Tshisekedi has blamed his predecessor for failing to rebuild the army and claimed that Rwanda’s attacks were aimed at preventing his military reforms. His government, along with European mercenaries and local armed groups known as the Wazalendo, has suffered consecutive defeats, losing territory rapidly. M23 continues to push forward, surrounding Uvira and marching toward new cities, while Congolese troops retreat without engaging in battle.
Captured soldiers have been taken for retraining by M23, and even police officers have surrendered en masse, according to rebel sources. Internal divisions have also weakened the Congolese forces, with soldiers and Wazalendo fighters turning on each other over resources and bribes. The military’s reputation for corruption and inefficiency has long been a major obstacle to national security.
Despite having an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 troops, far more than Rwanda or M23, Congo’s military remains deeply dysfunctional. Low-paid soldiers resort to extorting civilians at roadblocks, generating far more income than their official wages. Commanders engage in graft, siphoning salaries for ghost soldiers, while troops often lack transport, relying on motorcycles to move between deployments.
Tshisekedi increased the military budget in 2023, more than doubling it to $761 million—far surpassing Rwanda’s defense spending. Congo has acquired attack drones from China and aircraft from South Africa, along with funding a $200 million regional military force. However, experts emphasize that military reform cannot happen overnight, and Congo’s forces remain ill-equipped to counter M23’s battlefield expertise.
M23, bolstered by up to 4,000 well-trained Rwandan troops, has deep roots in eastern Congo and extensive combat experience. Rwanda, under President Paul Kagame, maintains tight state control, with no tolerance for dissent. Kagame has consolidated his power since taking over after the 1994 genocide, winning elections by overwhelming margins that many view as dubious.
Congo’s vulnerability stems from historical instability. Decades of Belgian colonial rule left weak institutions, and after independence, foreign interference fueled further turmoil. The U.S. and Belgium backed the overthrow of Congo’s first prime minister, and later supported Mobutu Sese Seko, a kleptocratic dictator. His downfall led to a civil war, which left the country fragmented and prone to militia violence.
Tshisekedi himself has never enjoyed broad popularity. He inherited his father’s opposition party and assumed power in a disputed 2018 election. The 2023 election saw record-low voter turnout, with election monitors condemning widespread irregularities. Now, he faces growing opposition amid military failures, and fears of a coup are rising in the capital, Kinshasa.
Hoping to solidify his power, Tshisekedi has hinted at constitutional changes, a strategy used by other African leaders to extend their rule. However, resistance to these plans is strong, and the ongoing military losses in the east are further undermining his credibility. In response to the crisis, he has proposed forming a unity government but faces skepticism from both opposition figures and the public.
Efforts to negotiate peace have largely failed. Tshisekedi has refused to meet with M23, despite regional leaders urging dialogue. Church leaders have attempted to mediate discussions, even meeting with Kagame and opposition leaders, but Tshisekedi remains unwilling to engage with the rebels directly. Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll is mounting, with over 7,000 civilians killed since January.
With Congo’s military in disarray, regional players are taking advantage of the situation. Malawi has withdrawn troops after suffering casualties, while Uganda has threatened military action in Bunia, further complicating the crisis. While international condemnation pressured Rwanda to withdraw support for M23 in 2012, no such pressure has emerged this time, leaving Congo’s leadership scrambling for a solution.
