Reforming the Congolese Army: Washington Shifts into High Gear

According to William E. Ward, commander of AFRICOM, the United States is treating the reform of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) as a top priority. As Belgium has already based a rapid intervention brigade in Kindu, Maniema, the United States have decided to form a light infantry battalion (BIL). A thousand men strong, it is currently training in Kisangani, the capital of Orientale Province. The objective is to equip the DRC with a professional and capable army that will contribute to stability and security in the Great Lakes region.

In naming Johnnie Carson to the position of assistant secretary of state in charge of the Bureau of African Affairs, President Barack Obama identified four priorities: security, the promotion of democracy, economic aid and the fight against AIDS. Thus, with regard to the security of Africa and recognizing the “strategic role of the DRC,” the United States has decided to “provide African countries with training in this specific field, equipment and the logistics necessary to their security, as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Liberia or in Sudan.”

In March 2009, the ambassador of the United States in Kinshasa, Mr. Garvelink, declared in his press briefing that the United States had committed to train a battalion that would constitute a reaction force in the DRC. He also promised, during this same press briefing, to meet with General William E. Ward, commander of AFRICOM (United States Africa Command) to present to him the military needs of the DRC.

Washington has just taken action. General William E. Ward has already traveled twice to the DRC. He underscored the necessity of equipping Congo-Kinshasa with “a capable army of professionals.”

The light infantry battalion, BIL, is being formed in Kisangani. The selection and recruitment, let us say, are rigorous. The battalion is composed of 1000 men and a sum of $35 million was put to use in the formation of this battalion. The official ceremony of the formation of this FARDC unit was honored by the presence of the adjunct commander of AFRICOM, Anthony J., who is responsible for civil and military activities. The goal of the United States is to help equip the DRC in the establishment of a professional army that is capable of enforcing respect for the authority of the state and guaranteeing security for the Congolese people.

Taking stock of the particular situation in the Great Lakes region, the United States believes it to be the duty of this Congolese army to play a key role in the protection of people and the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of the DRC. The United States aims, therefore, to promote peace in this region, and this battalion should serve as a model unit within the FARDC.

No More “Stupid” Wars

Among Barack Obama’s engagements since his inauguration was the promise that there would be no more “stupid wars.” This means, for the United States, that it should no longer engage in any wars that risk isolating them from the rest of the world. This explains the decision to pull American troops out of Iraq without lowering its fists when faced with international terrorism. Hence, the American efforts are concentrated on Afghanistan as the last bastion of international terrorism.

Wars would be stupid for Africa while it is incapable of protecting its boundaries and lets its own riches be pillaged because of a lack of a deterrent and a capable army. An army of professionals must serve as a base for the institutions of the Republic. The economic wars imposed upon the Democratic Republic of the Congo because of its riches are “stupid wars.” This is simply because the Congolese did not know how to protect their goods, the attributes of their independence and national sovereignty, while certain [individuals] among them preferred pillaging natural resources.

That is why, in its new vision of cooperation with the African states, the United States’ Africa policy is the following: “Before, the United States worked for Africa. We now want to work with Africa.” Also, to avoid those “stupid wars,” Barack Obama said the following on January 20, 2009: “To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.” Even as a senator, addressing the DRC, he warned that due to “foreign governments destabilizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo” they would all be held responsible.

To conclude his speech to Africa on these terms in Accra: “With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams in Nairobi and Lagos; in Kigali and Kinshasa; in Harare and right here in Accra.” As with all long-standing democratic countries, these powerful institutions rest upon a strong republic army.

The United States is thus respecting its engagements with regard to the FARDC. They have just taken action by shifting into high gear. It is up to the DRC to do just as much. Did not the Minister of Foreign Affairs say that “there is no state without the army” in Goma last year?