France has clarified that it is not deploying troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but is instead focused on training Congolese armed forces as part of a bilateral cooperation effort.
The French government has recently responded to speculation regarding its military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), denying any deployment of troops in the country. This clarification came after images surfaced, seemingly showing French soldiers in the region of Kisangani. According to statements made by the French embassy in Kinshasa, the French military is engaged in a training mission designed to assist the Congolese armed forces, known as the FARDC, primarily focusing on the training of jungle battalions. This cooperation is part of a mutual agreement put into place back in 2022.
Kisangani serves as a key location for military logistics and drone operations within the Congolese military framework, indicating its strategic importance to both the local and international allies of the DRC. The French embassy emphasized that their involvement is strictly a training operation aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the FARDC and that this initiative is set to continue until the end of next month. Furthermore, it was noted that Belgian forces are also contributing to the training efforts of the FARDC through the European Peace Facility, indicating a broader commitment from European nations toward stability in the DRC.
Historically, the FARDC has faced challenges in dealing with armed groups in various regions, particularly in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The training initiated by France and Belgium follows earlier endeavors that saw over 1,000 FARDC soldiers receiving training from MONUSCO peacekeepers, aimed at enhancing civilian protection. This ongoing support underlines the international community's recognition of the security issues in the DRC and the importance of strengthening local military capabilities to promote peace and stability in the region.
