Senior military leadership in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued a fresh directive prohibiting unauthorized smartphone use by troops stationed at active combat zones. The stern warning comes as military officials highlight the severe operational risks posed by careless mobile device usage in conflict areas.
The reminder was delivered through an official communication from the acting spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, who emphasized that improper use of smartphones could compromise troop locations and endanger entire military units.
In his statement released on July 9, 2026, the lieutenant-colonel stressed that even a single mobile device left switched on or used recklessly could reveal a unit’s position to hostile forces, potentially leading to ambushes or targeted strikes.
The army’s warning includes strict prohibitions against sharing sensitive operational information such as troop movements, unit strengths, mission details, or combat footage on social media or messaging applications. Any unauthorized smartphone activity must be reported immediately to prevent security breaches.
This renewed directive follows a series of viral videos circulating online in recent days, showing Congolese soldiers in the Fizi and Mwenga highlands of South Kivu publicly voicing complaints about conditions at the frontline. The footage, widely shared on social platforms, allegedly depicts soldiers facing challenges in their operations against the AGC/M23 rebel group.
It is not the first time such incidents have occurred. Similar videos emerged in earlier months when fighting was concentrated near Goma, prompting repeated military warnings against actions that could undermine combat effectiveness against the AGC/M23 rebels.
The FARDC’s latest communication reaffirms the army’s commitment to operational discipline and calls on all soldiers to prioritize mission security and collective safety over personal communication in high-risk zones. Commanders have urged troops to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere strictly to communication protocols to ensure mission success and personnel protection.
Reporting from Goma