Kinshasa, May 18th, 2026 (CPA).- The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expressed its determination to continue reforms within the national army, the Prime Minister has indicated on her X account, as consulted on Sunday by CPA. “The Government remains fully committed to working alongside the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) to pursue the reforms and modernisation efforts necessary to build a stronger, better-equipped army that is better able to defend the peace, sovereignty and integrity of our territory,” has written Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister, on the occasion of May 17th, a day dedicated to the revolution and the Armed Forces. The Head of the Congolese government has addressed, on this day, her respectful thoughts and deep gratitude “to all those who serve the Republic under the flag, often in difficult conditions, sometimes to the point of the ultimate sacrifice”.
She has also indicated that May 17th serves as a reminder that “love of one’s country demands commitment, courage and a spirit of sacrifice in the service of the Nation”. On May 17th, 1997, the troops from the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of the Congo (AFDL), led by Laurent-Desire Kabila, entered Kinshasa following several months of fighting against the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko. This is an important historical and political date for the country, marking the end of Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime and the return of the name ‘Democratic Republic of the Congo’.