Belgium Deploys Troops to Congo to Deter Rwandan Military Advance

On March 17th, a Belgian military plane landed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, delivering military hardware. This development has sparked speculation about the potential involvement of the European nation in the ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the country.

The Belgian government has acknowledged that it deployed 300 soldiers, along with a dozen tanks and drones, to provide much needed training for the Congolese Armed Forces. However, some analysts believe that this military presence is not solely for training purposes but may also play a role in assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo in reclaiming territories currently occupied by the Rwandan-backed rebel group, M23.

According to Rwandan outlets, Belgian troops are currently training military instructors from the 31st Brigade of the Rapid Reaction Units at a military base in Lwama Camp, located in Kindu, the capital of Maniema Province. This unit has a history of collaboration with the Belgian Army, having previously undergone training provided by Belgium between 2017 and 2018.

Additionally, Rwanda officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, signalling that Belgium's military aid and training were expected to have a direct impact on the battlefield shortly. Furthermore, Belgium has consistently supported the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in its conflict with the M23 rebels by lobbying for sanctions through the European Union and providing both financial and military assistance. Recently, the EU allocated a €20 million aid package to equip and strengthen the DRC’s armed forces.

Many analysts believe that the EU has a growing strategic interest in the ongoing conflict, particularly in securing a mineral supply deal with the DRC government. The DRC itself had previously attempted to negotiate a similar agreement with the United States. Whether the Belgian contingent will limit its role to training Congolese forces or actively engage in combat against the M23 rebels remains to be seen.