France has confirmed its military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating that its soldiers are there solely to train local armed forces as part of a cooperation agreement.
France has officially announced the presence of its soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, clarifying that their role is solely to train Congolese armed forces. The revelation follows speculation triggered by social media posts, which displayed images of soldiers in French uniforms, leading to concerns about a potential military deployment in the region. French officials emphasized that the training mission is ongoing in Kisangani, a city in north-eastern DRC, and is set to conclude by the end of March.
The French embassy in Kinshasa confirmed that this military training operation is conducted under a cooperation agreement established between France and the Democratic Republic of Congo back in 2021. The program was initiated at the request of the Congolese government, indicating a partnership aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the local armed forces amidst ongoing security challenges in the region. This cooperative effort highlights France's commitment to supporting DRC in improving its military effectiveness.
The announcement by France seeks to dispel the concerns raised by the public regarding foreign military presence in the DRC, especially given the sensitive context of the country’s security situation. The operation's transparency is intended to reassure both the local populace and the international community, reinforcing the cooperative relationship between France and the DRC while minimizing the potential for misinterpretation related to military interventions in Africa.
