Since January, the M23 rebel movement has gained control over key cities in eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, while efforts by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) have been undermined by systemic corruption and internal struggles. Despite substantial military spending, the FARDC continues to face low morale and frequent desertions, with soldiers often resorting to looting for survival. The M23's minimal troop numbers, supplemented by Rwandan support, highlight the inadequacies of DRC's military response to the escalating conflict, which has resulted in over 7,000 casualties this year alone.
"One of the main factors explaining the weakness of the FARDC lies in systemic corruption. Numerous reports have highlighted the disappearance of funds intended for soldiers' salaries."
"This practice explains why troop morale is particularly low and why desertions are recurrent. In some cases, soldiers stationed in the eastern part of the country even resort to looting or extorting local populations in order to survive."
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