Several senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have been arrested and are under investigation over allegations of widespread corruption and financial misconduct, according to military sources cited by FNTV.
The accused officers face a litany of charges, including embezzlement of public funds, the creation of fake military widows through fraudulent dossiers for financial gain, and the diversion of food supplies meant for fictitious battalions.
Some are also accused of using army vehicles for personal purposes and carrying out large-scale overbilling of logistical operations.
The investigation also points to the unauthorized use of weapons and ammunition for unspecified activities.
This comes at a time when government authorities are emphasizing the need for strict traceability of military assets in order to ensure that resources reach troops on the front lines, particularly in the eastern regions where the army is actively engaged against multiple armed groups.
Security officials warn that such abuses not only undermine military discipline and morale but also weaken operational readiness in conflict-affected areas.
The scandal is likely to increase public pressure on the government, which is already under criticism for failing to address long-standing issues of insecurity, governance lapses, and the proliferation of militias in eastern DRC.
There has been no official response from the Ministry of Defense, but sources suggest that additional arrests and administrative actions are expected as investigations continue.
The scandal adds to growing concerns about the state of military integrity in a country still grappling with chronic insecurity, fragile institutions, and urgent demands for reform.