DR Congo’s Armenian Mercenaries: A Cautionary Tale of Recruitment and Strategy

The recruitment of nearly 300 Romanian mercenaries to support the DRC army ended in surrender during a rebel offensive in Goma, revealing significant pay disparities and operational challenges. Complicating the DRC’s defense strategy is its reliance on foreign contractors amid a long-standing conflict with the M23 rebels, necessitating reforms for improved military effectiveness.

In a recent setback for nearly 300 Romanian mercenaries, their recruitment to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army ended in surrender during a rebel attack on Goma. Initially drawn by lucrative contracts offering around $5,000 per month, they found themselves retreating to a UN base as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced. This shift highlighted discrepancies in military pay: regular Congolese soldiers earn only about $100 per month, often facing delays in payment.

The mercenaries were hired to counter the M23 rebels, who claim to defend the rights of the Congolese Tutsi minority. Notably, when the siege began, coordinator Constantin Timofti stated that the DRC army had ceased combat, leading to their withdrawal. Romania’s foreign ministry confirmed that complex negotiations were undertaken, resulting in the M23 rebels delivering the Romanian fighters to Rwandan forces.

Filmed while surrendering, the mercenaries were subjected to inspection by M23 commander Willy Ngoma, who criticized the disparity between the higher salaries offered to foreign troops compared to Congolese recruits. The Romanians were reportedly engaged not only in training but also in direct combat and guarding positions, contrary to their official training roles.

The private military company Asociatia RALF, which employed the Romanian troops, has previously been suspected of connections to various international mercenaries. Reports indicate that military operations in North Kivu depend heavily on these private contractors since the conflict has persisted for years, plagued by instability and the influence of multiple armed factions.

The DRC army’s strategy is further complicated by collaboration with various foreign military entities and local militias, leading to a fragmented command structure. Observers emphasize the necessity for greater coherence within the military and a reduction of overlapping forces to enhance operational efficiency against the M23 rebels.

In the aftermath of the Goma encounter, concerns regarding the exploitation of military contractors remain prevalent. Many Romanians who enlisted were lured by the promise of substantial financial gain, only to confront the harsh realities of the battlefield. Several ex-mercenaries now caution others against joining ventures in conflict zones, stressing the need for proper training and clearer recruitment standards to safeguard lives.

The recruitment of Romanian mercenaries by the DRC army was part of a strategy to combat the M23 rebels, who have been increasingly successful in seizing territory in North Kivu. This region has long been embroiled in conflict, characterized by numerous militias profiting from conflicts over valuable mineral resources. The DRC government’s reliance on foreign mercenaries stems from ongoing instability and difficulties in managing its military ranks efficiently, raising questions about operational effectiveness and overall military strategy.

The failed involvement of Romanian mercenaries in the DRC underscores significant issues within the Congolese military’s structure and strategy. The disparity in compensation for foreign contractors versus local soldiers reveals systemic challenges and raises ethical concerns. Moving forward, enhancing military efficiency through better oversight, training, and coherent command structures is essential to address persistent conflicts within the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com