DR Congo recruits students to strengthen army
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Beto
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a voluntary recruitment campaign for students at higher education institutions. The mobilisation aims to strengthen defence capabilities amid persistent tensions in the country’s east, according to a military statement published on 22 October.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) launched a special voluntary recruitment campaign on Thursday 22 October for students at higher and university education institutions, according to a statement from the military leadership. The Congolese army wants to increase its ranks and mobilise the skills of young university students amid persistent tensions, particularly in the east of the DR Congo.
Recruitment is open to students at public and private institutions, regardless of their field of study. Candidates must be enrolled at a recognised institution, be aged between 18 and 28, enjoy their civil rights and meet the physical and mental fitness criteria set by the FARDC. Those selected will receive military and academic training suited to their future defence and territorial security missions.
The announcement comes after former president Joseph Kabila took over the leadership of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). This political and military platform is presented as set to succeed the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC-M23), a rebellion that Kinshasa and UN expert reports accuse of being backed by Rwanda. The launch of the FRN was announced on 14 October in Goma, in Joseph Kabila’s political movement.
