• Security
• Friday, July 10, 2026 – 09:26

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have issued a fresh directive prohibiting unauthorized smartphone use on active military fronts, citing significant security threats posed by such practices.

In a stern warning issued on July 9, acting FARDC spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even basic phone operations could endanger entire units. “A single activated or carelessly used device can expose troop positions to hostile forces, leading to targeted attacks,” he stated.

Critical directives for frontline personnel

The military command has outlined strict measures:

• Complete ban on unauthorized smartphone usage in combat zones
• Prohibition on sharing real-time locations, movements, or operational details
• No posting of military images or videos on social media or messaging platforms
• Mandatory reporting of any suspicious device activity or information leaks

The stern reminder follows recent viral videos showing soldiers complaining about conditions in the Fizi and Mwenga highlands of South Kivu, where they face attacks from AFC/M23 rebels. This isn’t the first time such incidents have occurred—the military has previously cautioned personnel against actions that might undermine combat operations against the rebellion near Goma.

Joshua Mutanava reporting from Goma