Gazing in the Congo (DRC): the dark heart of Africa (2006-2017)

[Michael F]

Based on my personal experience, congolese soldiers (i mean boots on the ground) are not bad troops (hard working, motivated to improve their skills, disciplined if well led,...).
With good officers and a decent salary (a situation sadly unseen since the independance), they are a match to their rwandan colleagues.

Just as a scientific experiment, I would like to see what would become of a NATO unit if unpaid, unfed, far from the families, and deployed in a remote jungle for more than 02 years without reach back/Log support (not that i wish it to happen to me).

[Stan]

Based on my personal experience, congolese soldiers (i mean boots on the ground) are not bad troops (hard working, motivated to improve their skills, disciplined if well led,...).
With good officers and a decent salary (a situation sadly unseen since the independance), they are a match to their rwandan colleagues.

Just as a scientific experiment, I would like to see what would become of a NATO unit if unpaid, unfed, far from the families, and deployed in a remote jungle for more than 02 years without reach back/Log support (not that i wish it to happen to me).

Although I definitely see and understand your point, my decade in that region tells me differently. I've seen Belgian, Egyptian, French, German, Israel, and US professional training there. And, even in her heyday, Zairian military and guard Civil performed abysmally at home and abroad.

I have to disagree, the Rwandan Armed Forces behaved like an Army and were brutal. I have yet to see that intestinal fortitude in Zaire.

[Tom Odom]

Michael,

I will have to go with Stan after writing 2 books on the Congo and talking with key leaders who served on the ground. The key difference between Congloese troops and Rwandan troops (meaning those in the RPA I knew) is a true sense of national identity. It simply does not exist in the Congo because the Congo remains a a region of tribal alliances and not a state. I have used military diaries from Europen advisors (military and mercenary) who say essentially the same thing.

I take your poiint on comparison of NATO units who can count on a salary and something to eat. Indeed it is a comparison I have used. The difference is the NATO unit would try to do something to fix the situation as an enity of the state. The Congolese have a well established tradition of fixing it through larceny, extortion, or mutiny.

I had this debate with my replacement in Zaire in 1994 into 1996. She continued to talk about the DSP as elite and by extension the contract portion of the DSP used to "secure" the camps in eastern Zaire. The DSP was well paid and certainly well fed by Zairian standards; the RPA brushed them aside on the march into Kinshasa.

The bottom line is that it is more about identity and purpose than it is about money.

Tom

[Michael F]

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....).

[Tom Odom]

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 don't call for secession because they don't need to secede from something they are not part of. those who want to be part of it want it to be their own pie, not piece of the pie, but all of the pie. Nationalism and the Congo is a paper tiger, one crafted by Westerners seeking to make something of the region to turn a profit and members of the region seeking the same. Go back and read some of the material from the early days (1960s) when the "country" was described as Spanish Moss--roots in the air and none in the ground. The US, Belgium, France, and to a lesser degree the UK has poured money into the Congo basin and built nothing more spotty framework for a state, not a state.

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.

Sure and they remain the same. I have talked with US advisors who accompanied the FAZ on the great march into Angola. The FAZ splt when the first artillery shells impacted. As for elite, that moniker has been used since the 60s; it has never meant a damn thing other than a sense of privelege.

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.

Depends on era. In the 1970s the threat was against Shaba. Others wanted to see Brazza as a threat but that was silly at best. All of that aside, we still built an army with an armor brigade, a parachute brigade, a large air force, and a brown water navy--none of which was really capable of fighting an armed opponent despite whatever threat might be out there. The truth is they were incapable of defending or attacking an armed opponent because they have nothing invested in doing so beyond what is in it for them.

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.

Unless someone goes out and lines those 20,000 soldiers up at one time and counts them, I would never believe there are actually 20,000 there. Even if there are, they will not be there when it comes time to fight. The use of numbers is a time honored way to inflate payrolls.

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).

As an individual, yes. But armies are not built solely on capable individuals, they are built on societies and their values. Indeed you can build a capable army on lesser material if you have the societal will to do so.

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....).

I cannot tell you how many times I have read or heard that statement--or the years those repetitive calls encompass. Nothing has changed.

Best

tom

[Michael F]

They don't call for secession because they don't need to secede from something they are not part of. those who want to be part of it want it to be their own pie, not piece of the pie, but all of the pie. Nationalism and the Congo is a paper tiger, one crafted by Westerners seeking to make something of the region to turn a profit and members of the region seeking the same. Go back and read some of the material from the early days (1960s) when the "country" was described as Spanish Moss--roots in the air and none in the ground. The US, Belgium, France, and to a lesser degree the UK has poured money into the Congo basin and built nothing more spotty framework for a state, not a state.

This could be said of most African countries. Borders were drown according to economical and imperialistic interests. Look at Angola (Nekongo are to be found in DRC, Brazza, Gabon, Angola, Chokwe in DRC, Angola, Zambia,....), or Nigeria, Cameroun,..... At that time, there was only a few homogeneous nations in Africa (Northern Africa mainly). All those countries could so be described as Moss--roots in the air and none in the ground. Most of them have developed into nations...through nationalism, a certain elite created a common sense among the population of a territory. Be it Lumumba in DRC (still consider a martyr by ALL congolese), Sankara, Houphouet or Mandela most recently (creating a new "south African nationalism...the Rainbow nation).

African nationalisms might be new (1960's) but already have their national or continental icons/martyrs.

In DRC, both the population and the political elites are nationalists for differents (opposed) reasons:

Population: The state might have been a colonial creation but the nation appeared after (to the opposite of what happened in Europe). It has its defining icons (Lumumba), its symbols (the congo river uniting al streams of the country), its common history (struggle against colonialism, against secessionism,against foreign invasions).

Elites: Its because its elites are tribal, self-interested, and that they want the BIG PIE, that they tend to use a "nationalist" discours to gain access to the BIG NATIONAL PIE. It's often described as "Better be one of the Princes in an Empire than King in a tiny province".
They don't need the state to be efficient, they need it to embezzle its ressources. Nationalism for them is to maintain a structure that feeds them.

Elites and population are so nationalists according to me but for the population its a synonym of "peace, unity,...." (a dream) for the elites its a cow to milk but its their cow.

Unless someone goes out and lines those 20,000 soldiers up at one time and counts them, I would never believe there are actually 20,000 there. Even if there are, they will not be there when it comes time to fight. The use of numbers is a time honored way to inflate payrolls.

Actually, it was done. (article in French: http://www.jeuneafrique.com/jeune_af...48rapprtiordr0). The total FARDC forces are approximately 100.000. About 1/4 of these are in Eastern DRC (Kivus), it makes something like 25.000. These (biometric) census were made by a EU mission and confirmed by an other census made by a Belgian/South African team. Indeed, when it comes to fight, these indulge easily in desertion.

Best
V/R

Michael

[Stan]

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.

Michael, while I admire your optimism and hope for the Congolese population, I don't share your view. As a US Military Senior Instructor and later in various DOD roles for more than a decade, I cannot wrap my hands around a clear picture of success and development in that country without severe discipline (not that the Belg accomplished that, but they came fairly close). It may actually take several generations to clear a path. I'm not just talking about the common foot soldier, but the population in general. It was just business as usual, and in order to succeed, I played along successfully (I think... Tom can chime in on that one).

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.

I concur. But, keep in mind that the vast majority indeed conducted daily business in the same manner. It was the common boots on the ground (not the DSP) that pillaged, raped and plundered without the benefit of gorilla training and tactics. It was the common foot soldier that threw hand grenades at the US embassy and into the Marché. And, it it was the common boots on the ground that destroyed the very infrastructure that barely bonded Zaire together.

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.

There's no secret there. Fighting and maneuvering in the Zairian bush is an Art and hiding the movements of 20,000 would have been magic (were there really 20K ?). The tactics involved came from years of watching the Zairians in action, and I dare say, to their very detriment. It will happen again, once the gold runs out and there's precious little to trade but gunfire.

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....).

I never had doubts about their physical abilities, but mental and moral issues with the FAZ made me want to relive my childhood in DC.

I assume you have time on the ground there, and also assume you've seen some good in those folks. I once did the very same (up and until I had an M16 in my face).

Regards, Stan

[Michael F]

Stan, indeed i'm an optimist and you were right to assume i had some time there (not close to your long experience). Eventough i had a very similar experience (it was an AK not a M16), i still think there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you don't try to move forward, you collapse.

[Tom Odom]

Stan, indeed i'm an optimist and you were right to assume i had some time there (not close to your long experience). Eventough i had a very similar experience (it was an AK not a M16), i still think there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you don't try to move forward, you collapse.

Michael,

Actually when I read yiour last answer I see you as a realist with rose colored glasses. The issue I have is that your optimism seemks to color what you see as the Congo's potential. The Congo has not moved forward in 50 years. To the contrary, it has regressed in a sort of one step forward, 3 steps backward dance which accelerated as Mobutu withdrew. As for Lumumba being a martyr, that maybe fashionable now. Mobutu was once more en vogue. The DRC has a sister in the Caribbean called Haiti. It too has had series of martyrs.

Yoy are correct that much of this applies to most African countries. The difference is that none have had the sustained Western government development effort that the DRC enjoyed over the past 50 years with perhaps Nigeria in its commercial/oil sector.

Collapse is the Congo's currency. Just how long in and what capacity were you in the DRC?

Tom

[carl]

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.

To the extent I am qualified to make a judgement based upon my short time in Congo, I must agree with Micheal F in this respect. I don't know if I would call it a strong sense of nationalism, but there was a perceptible, and stated sense of nationalism. It seemed to me the people I came in contact with (a very limited sampling for sure) always had a sense of "my country". This was true in all the sections of the country I visited except maybe the Lubumbashi area.