Tom & Stan,
Indeed, Congo is a region of tribal alliance....but still there is a strong sense of nationalism. None of the current rebell movements, (except Nkunda maybe) seems to call for secession (a traumatic consequence of the Shaba events ?). They all appeal to Congolese nationalism. one of Kabila's main weakenesses is to be considered as a Foreigner by many (he is supposed to have a Rwandan father by some). All candidates in the Presidential elections were staunchely nationalists.
About the Zairian armed forces (FAZ, Gaci and DSP in logical order), these were mostly used as a security force inside the country. These were ment more to police the country/regime than they were actually defending it against external agressions. In that respect, they were "elite". Officers were recruited in function of their loyalty, not their military capacity. Like the Presidential guard today (see events in Kinshasa of March 2007), they were really good in scaring the population but unable to fight decently despite well paid.
In conclusion, FAZ, Gaci, DSP, current Presidential guard were/are paramilitary police forces more than military.
Purpose was not defense against foreign invasions, Identity was not to defend the nation but the regime and still is.
An other element of Congolese/Zairian approach to the use of military is the very "18th Century old" idea that number is more important than quality. As shown by the latest events in the Kivu (FARDC versus Nkunda) where 3.000 insurgents are just outmanouvring, 20.000 FARDC.
Once again, i consider the congolese soldier as potentially (physically, mentally) a good one but the military structure (be it FAZ, Gaci, or FARDeC)and political conception of the military (Mobutu or Kabila) is ruining those qualities (in addition to corruption and neglect).
For Congo to have a professional and decent army, it would need to address those issues which will take a new generation of politicians (The new MOD is a proto-Maoists who want the FARDC to have agricultural brigades....).
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