The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military has reportedly faced controversy after videos circulating on social media appeared to show a number of female soldiers with visible pregnancies inside military barracks.
The soldiers are reportedly members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), which is currently engaged in military operations amid the conflict with M23 rebels in the eastern part of the country.
According to a report published by NetAfrique, the videos showed about a dozen recently recruited female soldiers displaying signs of advanced pregnancy while still in military barracks.
The development reportedly prompted a response from a military commander, who addressed troops about the need to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
The issue has attracted attention because the Congolese armed forces are operating under intense pressure as fighting continues in eastern DRC.
The report said the situation has raised questions about discipline, medical screening and the management of newly recruited soldiers during a period when the country is facing a major security challenge.
Social Media Videos Spark Debate
The videos reportedly spread rapidly on social media, generating reactions about the condition of female soldiers serving in the Congolese military.
However, the available reporting does not independently establish when the women became pregnant or whether they had been deployed directly to the front line before returning to the barracks.
The military command’s reported emphasis on pregnancy prevention and sexual health indicates that the issue has become a matter of concern within the ranks.
Background
The development comes as the FARDC continues its operations against M23 rebels in eastern Congo, where fighting has caused a major humanitarian and security crisis.
The allegations surrounding the pregnant soldiers should therefore be distinguished from confirmed battlefield developments until further evidence is provided.
Source: NetAfrique
