A recent visit by a Belgian military aircraft to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised speculation, coinciding with reports of increased military assistance and troop deployments in the region.
Belgium’s Growing Military Role in the DRC
Belgium reportedly dispatched troops, tanks, and drones to the DRC on March 17 as part of a mission aimed at training and strengthening the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), along with the Wazalendo militia and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). These forces have been engaged in ongoing clashes with the AFC/M23 rebels, who control large portions of the eastern DRC.
While Belgian officials maintain that their presence is strictly for training, reports suggest that between 300 and 400 Belgian commandos may take part in direct combat alongside the Congolese military. Despite extensive foreign support, FARDC has struggled to reclaim lost territories from the rebels, fueling further tensions in the region.
Belgian Forces Set Up Base in Kindu
Belgian troops have established operations at Lwama Camp in Kindu, the capital of Maniema Province. Their mission involves training Congolese military instructors from the 31st Brigade of the Rapid Reaction Units (URR), a force that previously received Belgian training from 2008 to 2017.
The European Union recently allocated €20 million to enhance and equip the URR’s infrastructure. However, Congolese media outlet Actualite mysteriously removed an article referencing this financial support on March 14, leading to speculation regarding the actual use of these funds.
Flight Tracking Data Raises Questions
Flight tracking records from Flightradar24 reveal that a Belgian Air Force Dassault Falcon 7X took off from Belgium on March 17, landed in Kinshasa, and later proceeded to Kindu on March 18. The aircraft returned to Kinshasa on the same day and departed for Brussels on March 20.
Shortly after, it made another trip to Africa, arriving in Bujumbura, Burundi, on March 21 before returning to Belgium the following day. The purpose of these flights remains undisclosed, but they appear to align with reports of Belgian military cooperation with the DRC government.
Belgium’s Deepening Ties with Kinshasa
Belgium’s involvement in the DRC comes amid its strong backing of the Congolese government within the European Union. It has notably advocated for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels—claims that Kigali has consistently denied. In response, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17.
Beyond diplomacy, Belgium’s engagement in the DRC is believed to be driven by economic interests, particularly in the country’s vast mineral resources. Furthermore, Belgian politicians of Congolese descent, particularly from the Les Engagés party led by Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost, have played an active role in influencing European policies in favor of Kinshasa.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
Despite presenting itself as a neutral actor, Belgium’s growing military footprint in the DRC is raising concerns over escalating tensions. By providing direct support to FARDC—which collaborates with the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, both accused of severe human rights violations—Belgium risks fueling further instability.
Rwanda has long accused the FDLR, a group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, of attempting to destabilize its borders. Many African leaders have urged for dialogue as the only viable solution to the crisis, yet Belgium’s military engagement appears to contradict these peace efforts.
Belgium was also among the first Western nations to recognize Félix Tshisekedi’s disputed victory in the 2023 DRC presidential elections, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud. It has, however, remained largely silent on governance issues, human rights abuses against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, and reports that Tshisekedi is considering constitutional amendments to extend his rule.
As the conflict in eastern DRC intensifies, Belgium’s increasing military involvement could complicate efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. Observers warn that prioritizing military intervention over diplomatic negotiations may not only escalate violence but also create long-term instability in the region.
