As insecurity worsens in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and political manipulation looms, last week Major General Ephraïm Kabi Kiriza launched a patriotic call to the soldiers under his command. At Camp Tshatshi in Kinshasa, he addressed the elite units of the Republican Guard (GR), responsible for protecting the head of state, urging them to show unwavering loyalty and vigilance against acts of treason or attempts to divide the nation.
Major General Ephraïm Kabi Kiriza, commander of the force protecting President Félix Tshisekedi, declared:
“The country never forgives a traitor.”
This and other powerful phrases were clearly intended to ignite a patriotic spirit within the elite soldiers of the Presidential Guard on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.
In his speech, the commander of the Republican Guard delivered a stern warning regarding the country’s fragile security situation. He stated:
“The wage of treason is death, because the country never forgives a traitor.”
According to the Office of the Presidency’s press service, Gen. Kabi used forceful language to get his message across, urging his troops to remain alert and resist any manipulation for political gain.
“We are not politicians. A person who loves their country can never plan to divide it. They cannot be bought by politicians.”
In this patriotic mobilization effort, as reported by beto.cd, Gen. Ephraïm Kabi Kiriza also reminded soldiers of the motto of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC):
“Never betray the Congo.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo still faces major challenges. In addition to attacks from armed groups in provinces like Maïndombe, Kwilu, Ituri, and both North and South Kivu, M23 rebels continue to clash with the FARDC and their allies, especially Wazalendo militias, in various territories, as peace talks continue in search of a lasting solution.
