DRC military issues stern warning against unauthorized smartphone use on frontlines

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have issued a fresh directive prohibiting soldiers from using smartphones without authorization in active combat zones. This stern reminder comes as military leadership warns that improper phone usage could compromise operational security and endanger troops.

In an official communication released on July 9, the interim spokesperson for the FARDC, Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, emphasized that even a single smartphone left on or used carelessly could expose military positions to enemy forces. The statement highlighted the risks of troops unknowingly revealing sensitive information through geolocation, calls, or social media activity.

strict protocols for smartphone use in conflict zones

The military command has outlined strict guidelines for soldiers at the front:

• No unauthorized use of smartphones in combat areas
• Prohibition on sharing real-time locations, movements, or operational details
• Ban on posting images or videos of military activities online or via messaging apps
• Mandatory reporting of any suspicious phone activity or potential security breaches

The directive follows the recent circulation of videos on social media, where soldiers voiced complaints about conditions in the Fizi and Mwenga highlands of South Kivu. These areas remain contested between government forces and rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), now operating under the M23 banner. The FARDC has previously reprimanded soldiers for similar breaches, particularly during earlier clashes near Goma, where unauthorized disclosures compromised mission security.

a matter of national security

Military officials have stressed that a single lapse in smartphone discipline could jeopardize entire units. Soldiers are urged to prioritize vigilance, discretion, and focus on their duties rather than personal communications. The FARDC has called for strict adherence to operational security protocols to prevent adversaries from exploiting digital vulnerabilities.

This latest warning underscores the challenges faced by the Congolese military in maintaining operational secrecy amid ongoing insurgencies and the pervasive use of social media.