DRC: France acknowledges training Congolese soldiers at Kinshasa's request
The French embassy in the DRC has confirmed the presence of French army officers in Kisangani as part of a military cooperation program, focused solely on training Congolese soldiers.
The French embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has affirmed that French military officers are currently training Congolese soldiers in Kisangani. This engagement is part of a broader military cooperation program initiated at the request of the Congolese government, specifically targeting the training of personnel for a jungle battalion. The mission is set to continue until the end of March, as confirmed by the French diplomatic mission in Kinshasa.
This acknowledgment comes in response to social media concerns stirred by a photograph released by a Congolese journalist, which depicted a Congolese soldier alongside a French tricolor flag. By confirming the French military presence, the embassy sought to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the nature of their deployment. The training provided is focused on enhancing the capabilities of the Congolese armed forces and appears to be a reflection of France's commitment to military partnership in the region.
The implications of this collaboration are significant as they underscore a growing military alliance between France and the DRC, illustrating France's involvement in supporting local security forces amidst ongoing challenges in the country. It also raises questions regarding the political dynamics and the strategic interests of both nations in the context of regional security and stability.