Congo army desertion trials cast spotlight on a broken force
Congolese soldiers walk in a formation before their trial for allegedly abandoning their posts and committing crimes against the civilians, including theft and rape, at the Musienene military court in Lubero, North Kivu province in the DRC on February 26, 2025.
While President Felix Tshisekedi’s government has touted efforts to recruit new soldiers and acquire new weapons, the senior officers said this has meant little for soldiers on the front lines
