The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) reliance on foreign mercenaries has ended in humiliation after nearly 300 Romanian fighters surrendered following a rebel assault in Goma. The mercenaries, hired at salaries of up to $5,000 per month, were meant to bolster the Congolese army against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. However, as the offensive escalated, they were forced to take refuge at a UN peacekeeping base before eventually being handed over to Rwanda.
The situation exposes the deep flaws in DR Congo’s military strategy. While the mercenaries were promised lucrative pay, regular Congolese soldiers receive around $100 per month—if they are paid at all. This glaring disparity, coupled with reports of disorganized missions and poor working conditions, has drawn criticism from both locals and international observers.
According to phone footage, M23 commander Willy Ngoma reprimanded a captured Romanian mercenary, highlighting the unjust pay gap. “They recruited you with a salary of $8,000 a month. We are fighting for our future. Do not come for adventure here,” he warned.
The Romanian mercenaries were contracted through Asociatia RALF, a company with ties to former members of the French Foreign Legion. Despite claims that they were only military instructors, evidence suggests they actively engaged in security operations. Reports indicate that Romanian fighters were seen manning checkpoints and even driving Congolese military vehicles.
Their surrender in Goma highlights the broader challenges facing the Congolese army. The military has relied on a fractured defense strategy that includes foreign mercenaries, Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, Burundian troops, and local militias like Wazalendo. Analysts argue that this fragmented approach has led to poor coordination and vulnerability to M23’s advances.
Observers point out that the rapid fall of Goma underscores the Congolese army’s weak command structure. “Poor command leads to failure,” an ex-Romanian mercenary told the BBC, revealing that some recruits lacked proper military training.
Meanwhile, Congolese soldiers continue to bear the brunt of the fighting. “The pay is unfair. When it comes to battle, we are sent to the front lines first,” one soldier lamented before losing contact with the BBC.
As M23 continues to make gains, experts warn that unless DR Congo restructures its military operations and improves its internal command, the country’s reliance on mercenaries will only deepen its vulnerabilities in the ongoing conflict.
