DRC military tightens smartphone rules for frontline troops

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have issued a fresh warning to frontline troops about unauthorized smartphone use, citing serious security risks that could compromise military operations.

Risks of uncontrolled smartphone use in combat zones

In an advisory released on July 9, Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, acting FARDC spokesperson, emphasized that unregulated smartphone use in conflict zones poses a direct threat to both soldiers and national security.

• Geolocation threats: Active phones can expose troop positions to hostile forces, potentially enabling targeted attacks.
• Operational secrecy at risk: Soldiers sharing real-time updates about movements, deployments, or unit sizes on social media or messaging apps could jeopardize entire missions.
• Cyber vulnerabilities: Unsecured devices may become entry points for enemy surveillance or hacking attempts.

Strict new guidelines for military personnel

The FARDC command has reinforced the following directives:

• Avoid all unauthorized smartphone use in active combat zones.
• Never disclose troop locations, movements, or operational details via digital channels.
• Do not publish or share images/videos from military operations.
• Report any suspicious smartphone activity or potential information leaks immediately.

Context: Repeated violations despite prior warnings

This isn’t the first time the FARDC has addressed this issue. Similar incidents occurred near Goma during earlier phases of the conflict with AF/C M23 rebels, where videos of soldiers complaining about conditions circulated widely online. The current warning follows recent videos from South Kivu’s Fizi and Mwenga highlands, where troops face AF/C M23 forces, highlighting ongoing discipline challenges.

Call for heightened vigilance

The military leadership urges soldiers to prioritize operational security, exercise extreme discretion, and remain fully focused on their duties. A single careless phone use could endanger entire units and undermine national defense efforts.