DR Congo Doubles Soldiers’ Pay

Kinshasa — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially announced a significant increase in the salaries of its armed forces and national police, in a move widely seen as a response to mounting pressure over corruption in the security sector and widespread discontent among troops.

In an official communiqué from the Ministry of Finance, Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi stated that, following a decision by the government under the leadership of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, “the remuneration of members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC) has just been doubled.”

“Starting from this day, each soldier and police officer will receive, in their bank account, double the remuneration of the previous month. This measure comes into effect as of Friday, 28 March 2025,” the statement added.

The pay increase comes as Congolese soldiers are engaged in heavy fighting against the M23 rebel group in both South Kivu and North Kivu provinces. The eastern region has seen renewed clashes in recent weeks, with FARDC units attempting to reclaim strategic territories amid accusations of foreign support for the rebels.

It also follows growing criticism over glaring disparities in military compensation. Recent reports revealed that Romanian mercenaries contracted to support government forces were earning thousands of dollars each month, while Congolese soldiers in combat zones were paid less than $250 per month—raising serious concerns about morale and fairness.

According to the communiqué, “With the March payroll operations now underway, our valiant soldiers and police officers will now be able to benefit from a salary revaluation.”

The Ministry of Finance praised President Tshisekedi for what it called a “historic act, marking a turning point toward better conditions for the empowerment of our uniformed personnel.” The communiqué also expressed confidence that members of the security forces would “understand the sacrifices made by the Government to improve their living conditions,” and would in turn honor the Congolese people and the Commander-in-Chief by “demonstrating dignity during this difficult moment in our nation’s history.”

To ensure accountability, the statement announced that audits and inspections will soon be launched by the Ministries of Budget, Finance, and Defense, in collaboration with the Inspectorates General of the FARDC and PNC, “to uncover any inconsistencies in personnel numbers.”

The pay rise is seen as a major morale boost for soldiers and officers, but also as an attempt by the government to begin addressing years of systemic corruption, ghost payrolls, and neglect in the management of defense resources.