Regional
DRC: Why Tshisekedi is investing heavily in Burundian troops
Fearing
possible hostilities that will follow the planned electoral coup, Congolese
President Félix Tshisekedi has invested heavily in facilitating the training of
Burundian troops that will ensure his protection.
The
60-year-old no longer trusts the Congolese national army.
With
only seven days to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s polls, on December 20, the
Congolese population is living in fear. Even Tshisekedi is not at peace. He
left no stone unturned while plotting an electoral coup, and he knows the consequences
are deadly.
Related: Burundi’s
treachery is intensifying eastern DRC crisis
Sources
indicate that Tshisekedi sent 30 Romanian mercenaries from Goma, the capital of
North Kivu Province, to train 750 Burundian troops based at Mutukura training
camp, Cankuzo Province, in eastern Burundi.
The mercenaries,
who arrived there in mid-November, started training the Burundian troops in a
range of combat tactics including how to operate drones and VIP protection.
Related: DRC:
Over 6,000 Burundian troops deployed to secure elections
There
are good reasons why Tshisekedi does not trust his army. For one, corruption has,
for decades, corroded the Congolese army to the point of affecting national
security and territorial integrity. Congolese army commanders are well known
for selling arms to militia groups they are supposed to fight, and reporting
ghost numbers of military personnel to increase their monthly earnings.
For
Tshisekedi, the Burundians are more trustful than his compatriots. He is investing
millions of dollars in training Burundian troops to protect him, his family,
and allies.
Related: DRC:
Why are Burundian troops crying foul?
In the
midst of a difficult campaign period, Tshisekedi started flying his family’s
private properties out to Brussels as well as Dubai as he readies for the
likelihood of a bloody exit after December 20. He is preparing himself for the deadly
consequences of his plotted electoral coup in December 20 elections.
“Burundian
troops will further assist Tshisekedi to repress his political opponents,” said
a source from Lubumbashi, in Katanga Province, who preferred anonymity.
Related: Inside
DRC's presidential campaign conspiracies
A
secret bilateral defence pact signed in August by Tshisekedi and Burundi’s
Évariste Ndayishimiye saw Gitega deploying over 6,000 soldiers to eastern DRC.
Tshisekedi
planned such that as the polls approach, the main mission of all Burundian soldiers
in DRC must be securing him, his allies, and voting centers.
After the
polls and possible election-related violence, all the Burundian troops will be
deployed in eastern DRC to support the Congolese army coalition in fighting M23
rebels.