Nine senior Congolese Army Officers Arrested Over Theft of Military Food Supplies

Nine senior officers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have been arrested for allegedly selling food supplies meant for soldiers stationed in the eastern provinces of North Kivu.

According to Radio Okapi, the detained officers include commanders of regiments 3414, 2102, and 1303, based in Beni-Butembo and Lubero. The arrests were made on Thursday, November 6, and the officers were transferred to the regional military headquarters for interrogation.

The suspects — five senior officers and four junior officers — are accused of embezzling and illegally selling military rations, including 250 bags of maize flour, 80 bags of rice, and five bags of milk powder. They also face charges of violating military regulations.

Gen. Joseph Mugisa, Commander of Operation Sokola 1 Grand Nord, confirmed that the detained officers were moved to Goma for further investigation. Two civilians suspected of collaborating with the officers were also arrested.

The case highlights growing concerns about corruption and resource mismanagement within the Congolese army, particularly in conflict-affected regions like North Kivu, where troops are engaged in ongoing operations against armed rebel groups.