The French government has officially addressed rumors about its military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speculation began following the circulation of a controversial photograph earlier this week. The image appeared to show French soldiers in the city of Kisangani. In response, the French Embassy in Kinshasa released a formal statement. This statement aimed to clarify the exact nature of their operations.
The embassy denied that France has deployed active combat troops for frontline operations. Instead, it emphasized that the personnel are part of a long-standing training agreement.
This bilateral partnership has been active since 2022. It is designed to enhance the professional skills of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Strategic Training in Kisangani
Kisangani serves as a critical tactical point for the Congolese military. It is located in the northeastern part of the country. Today, it serves as a primary hub for drone surveillance and logistics. The FARDC relies on this hub to coordinate movements in the eastern provinces. They also use it to gather vital intelligence.
According to the French Embassy, the mission is strictly educational. French instructors are leading specialized training for “jungle battalions.” These units must learn to navigate the dense terrain of conflict zones. The training helps them secure areas that are otherwise hard to reach.
The embassy noted that this phase of training is a temporary rotation. It should conclude by the end of next month. This timeline shows that the focus is on skill transfer. It is not a permanent troop build-up or a direct intervention.
International Cooperation and the European Peace Facility
France is not the only nation providing technical support to the DRC. Several countries coordinate through European frameworks to assist the FARDC. This is a multifaceted international effort.
Belgium also maintains a similar role in the region. Belgian forces currently train Congolese soldiers under the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF is a financial tool. It helps the EU prevent conflicts and build peace. It achieves this by strengthening the military capabilities of partner countries.
The Role of MONUSCO and Civilian Protection
Bilateral agreements with France and Belgium focus on specialized combat skills. However, the United Nations handles broader security training. This is done through the Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO.
Last year, MONUSCO peacekeepers trained over 1,000 FARDC soldiers. This initiative focused on the “Protection of Civilians” (POC) mandate. It was less about offensive maneuvers and more about safety. The training covered three main areas:
Tactical Response: How to react to threats from local armed groups.Human Rights: Ensuring military actions follow international law.Regional Security: Securing volatile provinces like Ituri and North Kivu.
Regional Context: The Conflict in the East
A single photo of foreign soldiers caused a massive reaction for a reason. One must consider the ongoing instability in eastern DRC. For decades, provinces like North Kivu and Ituri have faced violence. Dozens of armed groups fight for control. They often compete for the region’s vast mineral wealth.
Foreign military presence is a sensitive topic for the Congolese public. Many citizens are wary of outside intervention. They remember the complicated history of regional wars. The embassy hopes to ease these local anxieties. By clarifying the mission is for “jungle training,” they aim to stop misinformation.
Technical Focus: Drones and Logistics
Kisangani’s role as a drone hub is very significant. Modern warfare in the DRC now uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance. The terrain is vast and often lacks usable roads. Drones allow the FARDC to monitor armed groups in real-time.
French cooperation likely includes the technical side of these tools. They help Congolese technicians maintain and deploy these assets. Logistics training is also vital.
It ensures that medicine and reinforcements reach isolated outposts. This is the primary goal of the current French-led training modules.
Looking Ahead: The Future of FARDC Partnerships
The French mission will end its current phase next month. After that, the focus will shift to the jungle battalions. Experts will watch how well they use their new skills. The Congolese government still seeks a balance. They want international aid without losing national sovereignty.
MONUSCO has begun a phased withdrawal from the country. Because of this, bilateral agreements with France and Belgium will become more important. The ultimate goal is a self-sufficient FARDC. The DRC wants a military that can secure its borders alone.
MORE LINKS: Ramadan 2026 in Nigeria: Sultan Declares Wednesday Start Following Moon Sighting
Trump’s “Board of Peace” Secures $7bn for Gaza Reconstruction
