The Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces (FARDC) have issued a fresh warning against unauthorized smartphone use in combat zones, citing significant security risks to military operations.

In a public advisory released on July 9, acting FARDC spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even a single activated phone can expose troop positions to enemy forces. “Using smartphones recklessly jeopardizes entire units and compromises mission success,” he stated.

The military directive prohibits soldiers from sharing real-time location data, movements, troop numbers, operational details, or combat footage via social media or messaging platforms. Commanders urge strict compliance with communication protocols and immediate reporting of any suspicious device usage.

This stern warning follows recent viral videos showing Congolese troops in South Kivu’s Fizi and Mwenga highlands criticizing frontline conditions while facing AFC/M23 rebels. Similar incidents occurred near Goma in past months, prompting repeated army interventions to prevent operational security breaches.

The FARDC’s latest move reflects growing concerns over digital intelligence gathering by hostile factions, with military leadership stressing that operational secrecy must take precedence over personal communication needs in active conflict zones.