The Debacle of the Congolese Government: Lessons in Leadership Failure

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured prolonged instability, with conflict persisting for nearly three decades. Since 1997, millions of Congolese lives have been lost due to ongoing violence, which has escalated further since 2021 following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by the Rwandan government and certain Western powers.

Initially, it was uncertain whether the M23 would be able to gain significant ground within the country or withstand retaliation from the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). Even when the city of Bunagana fell to the rebels in June 2022, many expected a swift counteroffensive by the Congolese army, as had been the case under former President Joseph Kabila’s administration.

However, these expectations shifted dramatically following the fall of Goma, a key city, into the hands of the M23. Despite reassurances from President Félix Tshisekedi, who promised an imminent and forceful response, the situation continued to deteriorate.

Now, with the M23’s capture of Bukavu in South Kivu, the situation has grown even more dire. The Congolese army (FARDC) appears increasingly demoralized, with reports of desertion. The withdrawal of allied Burundian forces (FDNB) and the inaction of South African troops (SANDF), who were previously expected to intervene, have further weakened efforts to contain the rebellion. At this point, there seems to be little preventing the M23 from advancing toward the capital, Kinshasa.

Regional peace initiatives, whether through the East African Community (EAC) or the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have failed to yield tangible results, with none of their resolutions effectively implemented. The African Union’s inability to take decisive action, coupled with the perceived duplicity of Western powers, underscores the harsh reality that the Congolese people may ultimately have to rely on their own military to defend their nation.

But given the FARDC’s wavering commitment and reports of desertion, the pressing question remains: Can an army unwilling to fight truly protect the sovereignty of the DRC?

This ongoing crisis offers crucial lessons on leadership in Kinshasa—lessons that are equally relevant to many other African nations. While some may focus on blaming the deserting Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), a more objective analysis points to the failure of leadership, particularly under President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration since 2018.

Leadership in the Age of Accountability

The era of unchecked authority and manipulation is over. In past decades, it was easier for leaders to exploit their people through deceitful tactics, relying on secrecy and the ignorance of an uninformed population to maintain power and privilege. Many dictators and tyrants thrived by feeding their citizens empty promises while enjoying luxurious lifestyles at their expense. However, in today’s digital age—where social media platforms like TikTok and others facilitate the rapid spread of information—these outdated strategies are increasingly ineffective. Yet, some leaders, including those in Kinshasa, continue to operate as though they can suppress dissent and control narratives as they did in the past.

The current crisis in the DRC highlights a leadership culture marked by extravagance and detachment, despite the country’s long-standing state of insecurity. For example, while soldiers on the frontlines earn a meagre $150 per month, members of parliament reportedly receive salaries of approximately $20,000 per month. Even President Tshisekedi himself, when asked about his salary in an interview, claimed not to know—a statement widely perceived as an attempt to appear disinterested in wealth, though many recognized it as a manipulative tactic.

This stark contrast between leadership privilege and public suffering is evident in daily life. The DRC remains plagued by extreme poverty and malnutrition, yet its leaders revel in public adulation. President Tshisekedi, for instance, appears to take pride in hearing crowds chant “Fatshi Beton”—a popular slogan in his praise—as his lengthy motorcade parades through Kinshasa. Meanwhile, he is known for his taste in luxury brands, such as Weston shoes and designer clothing, while essential workers, including soldiers, teachers, and doctors, struggle to earn a living wage sufficient to feed their families.

This leadership disconnect is not only unsustainable but also a major factor contributing to the current crisis. Leaders who fail to adapt to the changing expectations of accountability and transparency will find themselves increasingly unable to maintain control—especially in an era where information spreads faster than ever.

These issues are widely circulated on social media, accessible to everyone—including the frontline soldiers who are expected to risk their lives for a government that pays them a mere $150 per month. Reports indicate that some soldiers lack even the most basic necessities, often forced to share a few loaves of bread among an entire battalion. Despite these dire conditions, they are still expected to display patriotism and fight against a well-equipped and highly motivated enemy force. Adding to the injustice, European mercenaries who surrendered without resistance were reportedly paid between $5,000 and $10,000 per month by the very same leadership that underpays and neglects its own troops.

Leadership’s Failure to Adapt

The leadership in Kinshasa has fundamentally misjudged the times. It continues to operate under the outdated assumption that soldiers and citizens will blindly obey unjust orders and endure mistreatment without resistance. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The Congolese army—potentially strong and capable—has been steadily retreating, allowing rebels to seize town after town, not because they lack the will to fight, but because they lack the support and resources necessary to do so effectively.

Congo, and Africa as a whole, has the potential to overcome its challenges and achieve success, but this depends entirely on the presence of leadership that is transparent, honest, and accountable. A leadership that resorts to manipulation, no matter the justification, ultimately fails its people. History has shown that manipulation breeds exploitation and domination, both of which are unsustainable in a world where people are more informed than ever before. As the saying goes: you can deceive one person all the time, but you cannot deceive all people all the time. The awakening of the Congolese people means that the old tactics of control are no longer viable, and true progress can only come through genuine and responsible leadership.

Visionary Leadership: A Deficiency in Direction

Since taking office in 2018, President Tshisekedi and his administration have made numerous decisions that reflect a fundamental lack of clear vision and direction for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rather than entering office with a well-defined plan, the leadership in Kinshasa appeared to operate under the assumption that they would discover their vision only after assuming power. This uncertainty was openly admitted by President Tshisekedi himself during an interview in the 2018 election campaign, where he stated that he did not yet know what course of action he would take if elected, suggesting that he would only determine this after being sworn in and assessing the state of affairs.

While it is reasonable to acknowledge that a leader may not fully grasp the operational capacity of the state before assuming office, the overall direction of the country should never be an afterthought. Leadership is about carrying a vision into power, not about hoping that power will provide a vision. A leader must have a roadmap before stepping into government, as it is vision that brings a leader into office, not the other way around.

This lack of foresight became glaringly evident within the first 100 days of Tshisekedi’s presidency when millions of dollars began disappearing from government coffers through unrealistic projects and illicit transactions. In a nation grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 90%, the president prioritized a $300 million project to import pre-manufactured houses from Turkey for military personnel. The project was ultimately left incomplete, the funds vanished, and no one was held accountable. Similarly, subsequent government initiatives continued to lack substance or direct impact on the socioeconomic well-being of the Congolese people. One striking example was the Francophonie Games, initially budgeted at $84 million but ending up costing an exorbitant $324 million, with little to no lasting benefit to the country. Coupled with frequent international trips that yielded no tangible economic returns, these expenditures have cast serious doubt over the leadership’s capacity to govern effectively and responsibly.

Capacity Development Leadership: A Failure to Anticipate

Effective leadership is rooted in foresight—the ability to anticipate challenges and prepare accordingly. This fundamental principle seems to have been overlooked in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the country’s leadership has continuously failed to invest in the internal capacity necessary to address its longstanding security threats. Given the persistent instability and the ongoing threats posed by armed groups, one would have expected a proactive and strategic approach to national defense. Instead, the government in Kinshasa has relied heavily on foreign mercenaries, hoping to secure victory through the military strength of external actors rather than through the development of a capable national army.

The current crisis highlights the consequences of this misguided approach. Rather than channelling resources into training, equipping, and professionalizing the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), the leadership squandered significant funds on unproductive activities, many of which seemed designed primarily to appease Western powers. The failure to build a robust internal defence system has left the country vulnerable, exposing the weaknesses of a leadership that lacks both strategic vision and the capacity to execute long-term security reforms.

Ultimately, the ability to combat corruption, strengthen national institutions, and safeguard territorial integrity is a direct reflection of the competence of those in power. The dire situation unfolding in the DRC should serve as a cautionary lesson for future leaders—not only in Congo but across Africa. Without strong, self-sufficient institutions and a leadership committed to national interests over external validation, the cycle of instability and underdevelopment will persist.

Conclusion

One of the fundamental principles of leadership asserts that while authority can be delegated, responsibility cannot. Therefore, the ongoing crisis in the DRC should not merely be seen as the failure or retreat of the FARDC but rather as a reflection of the continued retreat and abdication of responsibility by the leadership in Kinshasa. Leadership failures breed insecurity and serve as a driving force behind neocolonialism in Africa. The restoration of dignity on the continent hinges on the emergence of responsible and capable leadership. The coming days, weeks, and months remain uncertain for millions of Congolese people, many of whom have been displaced by war, while those who remain live in constant fear of what the future holds. More than ever, the DRC is in urgent need of change—not only in its prevailing conditions on the ground but also in its leadership.