The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have reissued a stern warning against unauthorized use of smartphones in active combat zones, citing significant security risks to military personnel and operational success.

In a public advisory issued on July 9, acting FARDC spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay emphasized that even routine smartphone activity could inadvertently expose troop positions, enabling enemy forces to track movements and target units. The statement explicitly prohibits soldiers from sharing location data, operational details, unit strength, or combat footage via social media or messaging platforms.

The military command has instructed frontline personnel to strictly adhere to communication protocols and report any suspicious device usage or potential information leaks that could jeopardize mission security. Officials stressed that a single careless interaction with a smartphone could endanger entire units, urging soldiers to prioritize operational secrecy and maintain unwavering focus on their duties.

This latest directive follows a surge in online videos from soldiers stationed in the highlands of Fizi and Mwenga (South Kivu), where they are engaged with rebels from the AFC/M23 group. These clips, which depict harsh conditions and morale issues, have circulated widely on social media platforms.

It marks the second time in recent months that similar footage has gone viral. Previously, when clashes occurred near Goma, such videos triggered repeated warnings from military leadership to prevent operational security from being compromised during engagements with the AFC/M23 rebels.