A Belgian military aircraft’s recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked speculation amid reports of troop deployments and increased military aid to Congolese forces. Belgium reportedly dispatched soldiers, armored vehicles, and drones on March 17 to train and support the Congolese military (FARDC), the Wazalendo militia, and the FDLR in their fight against AFC/M23 rebels, who control large areas in eastern DRC.
Although Belgium officially claims its troops are there for training, reports suggest that 300–400 commandos might engage directly in combat. Belgian forces have established a base at Lwama Camp in Kindu, Maniema Province, where they are training Congolese instructors from the 31st Brigade of the Rapid Reaction Units (URR), a force Belgium previously trained between 2008 and 2017. The European Union recently allocated €20 million to upgrade the brigade’s infrastructure, but the removal of a Congolese media report on the funding has raised suspicions about its actual use. Flight tracking data reveals that a Belgian Air Force Dassault Falcon 7X flew from Belgium to Kinshasa on March 17 before heading to Kindu on March 18. The aircraft later returned to Belgium via Kinshasa and made another trip to Burundi on March 21. The exact purpose of these flights remains undisclosed, reinforcing speculation about Belgium’s deeper military involvement. Belgium has long supported the Congolese government within the EU, particularly in lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda over allegations of backing the AFC/M23 rebels—claims Rwanda denies. In response, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17. Analysts believe Belgium’s interests in DRC extend beyond diplomacy, citing economic motivations linked to the country’s vast mineral wealth. Despite positioning itself as a neutral mediator, Belgium’s actions raise concerns about escalating the conflict.
By backing FARDC, which collaborates with groups accused of severe human rights abuses, Belgium risks worsening regional instability. Rwanda has consistently warned about the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, accusing it of seeking to destabilize the region. While many African leaders advocate for dialogue as the only sustainable solution, Belgium’s military engagement appears to contradict these efforts. The country was among the first Western nations to recognize Félix Tshisekedi’s controversial 2023 election victory despite fraud allegations but has remained silent on his administration’s human rights violations and governance failures. As tensions escalate, Belgium’s increasing military footprint in the region risks prolonging instability rather than fostering a peaceful resolution. Observers caution that reinforcing FARDC’s military approach instead of advocating for diplomacy may worsen the crisis, with long-term consequences for regional security.
