Part 7/10:
A notable failure of this integration process occurred in 2009 when the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) was absorbed into the FDC. Instead of dissolving, the CNDP continued to operate under its command structure, paving the way for the emergence of the M23 rebel group in 2012.
The Present-Day Challenges of the FDC
Despite multiple international attempts to reform the military, the FDC remains plagued by inefficiency, with soldiers oftentimes going months without pay. Desperation drives them to engage in criminal activities, including extortion and smuggling, further eroding their effectiveness. The situation is compounded by a lack of modern equipment, making it impossible for the FDC to adequately confront well-armed rebel factions like M23.