The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have issued yet another stern warning against the unauthorized use of smartphones in active combat zones, deeming the practice a critical security threat to both troops and mission success.

In a public advisory released on Wednesday, July 9, acting FARDC spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even a single smartphone left on or used carelessly can betray troop positions, enabling enemy forces to pinpoint and target military units.

The military has explicitly prohibited soldiers from sharing sensitive operational details—including troop movements, mission objectives, unit strength, or combat footage—via social media or messaging platforms. Violations of these protocols will be treated as serious breaches of military discipline.

Commanders have urged troops to exercise extreme caution, avoid all unauthorized phone use in combat areas, and immediately report any suspicious activity or potential security leaks that could compromise ongoing operations.

This latest directive comes amid growing concerns over recent viral videos depicting Congolese soldiers complaining about conditions on the frontlines in Fizi and Mwenga territories of South Kivu, where clashes with AFC/M23 rebels continue. The footage, widely circulated online, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about operational morale and transparency.

It marks not the first time such warnings have been issued. Earlier this year, similar incidents near Goma prompted repeated calls from military leadership for soldiers to maintain operational secrecy. The army has consistently stressed the importance of discretion to avoid undermining efforts against the AFC/M23 insurgency.

Reporting by Josué Mutanava in Goma