The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military leadership has escalated its warnings against unauthorized smartphone use by soldiers deployed in combat zones. In a sternly worded statement released yesterday, acting military spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even a single improperly used device could endanger entire units by revealing troop positions and movements to hostile forces.

“A lit or carelessly handled smartphone can instantly pinpoint a soldier’s location,” warned Hazukay. “This practice not only compromises individual security but threatens the success of our military operations and puts comrades at grave risk.”

The directive strictly prohibits soldiers from sharing their coordinates, movements, operational details, or combat footage on any digital platform, including social media and messaging applications. Violators face immediate disciplinary action, according to the statement.

This latest crackdown follows disturbing online footage showing DRC soldiers complaining about conditions in the Fizi and Mwenga highlands of South Kivu, where they face ongoing attacks from AFC/M23 rebels. The military has previously issued similar warnings when combat operations were concentrated near Goma, with soldiers repeatedly reminded to maintain operational secrecy.

“The battlefield demands absolute focus and discipline,” stated Hazukay. “Every soldier must recognize that their actions outside established protocols can have deadly consequences for their unit.”

This stringent measure underscores the military’s commitment to operational security amid persistent security challenges in eastern DRC.