The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have issued a fresh directive banning unauthorized smartphone use in combat zones, citing serious security risks to military operations.

In a public notice released on July 9, acting FARDC spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even a powered-on phone can betray troop positions, enabling enemy forces to track and target military units. The military has prohibited soldiers from sharing real-time locations, movements, operational details, troop numbers, or combat footage on social media or messaging platforms.

Commanders have instructed troops to strictly adhere to communication protocols and report any suspicious use of phones or potential information leaks that could jeopardize missions. The statement underscored the severe consequences of a single misstep, warning that a single improperly used device could endanger an entire unit.

This latest warning follows a surge of viral videos showing Congolese soldiers in the Fizi and Mwenga highlands of South Kivu, complaining about conditions while facing the AFC/M23 rebel group. Similar videos circulated in the past when fighting was closer to Goma, prompting repeated military warnings against compromising operational security.

Reporting from Goma