KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — A Congolese soldier identified as Lieutenant Colonel Amisi Walonga Daniel has raised concerns over the treatment of military personnel who are wounded in combat, claiming that he has gone 20 months without receiving his salary.
In videos circulating on social media, Walonga appears to have a disability affecting his right leg. He says he belongs to the 33rd Military Region of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
The soldier claims he was wounded while serving on the battlefield and says his main concern is the lack of financial and institutional support he has received since the injury.
Walonga criticized several state institutions in Kinshasa, including Parliament, the Ministry of Defence and the FARDC General Staff, calling for greater attention to soldiers who are wounded or face other difficulties as a result of their military service.
He also highlighted what he described as four groups of people who need stronger government support: soldiers who have been disabled in combat, former soldiers who have reached old age, children who lost their parents while serving in the military, and widows of soldiers killed in combat.
According to Walonga, many people who served the country are left facing difficult living conditions after their military careers, despite the risks they took while carrying out their duties.
He said the government should provide assistance and protection to wounded soldiers and families of military personnel who died while serving the country.
Walonga ended his message with strong criticism of the functioning of the Congolese state, saying he was addressing people who have the ability to understand his concerns and take action.
“I am not speaking to goats; I am speaking to those who can understand. We have no government in the DRC. It is Waringa,” he said.
The claims made by Walonga have not been independently verified, and it was not immediately clear whether Congolese military or government authorities had responded to his allegations.
