Kinshasa, October 13th, 2022 (CPA) – The outgoing Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC), Army General Celestin Mbala, supported on Thursday, at Camp Kokolo, in Bandalungwa municipality, that the expected military programming law augurs the rise of the Congolese army.
He meant it in his word for the occasion on the occasion of the solemn handing over by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of FARDC, Felix Tshisekedi, of the standard to the incoming Chief of General Staff, Lt- General Christian Tshiwewe.
“I address my thanks to the President of the Republic for the confidence placed in my modest person during my presence at the head of the troops and for his determination to modernize our army, especially with the military programming law which augurs the rise in power of the Congolese army,” said the outgoing chief of general staff, while calling on the military to discipline and respect the new leader and the laws of the country.
The military programming law is a multiannual financial law which sets the deadlines for payment appropriations relating to expenditure on equipment and development of the Armed Forces.
It defines, within the framework of the budgetary laws, the portion of the budget reserved for the development and equipment of the Army. It determines the sequences and the rhythm of the operations or the purchases to be carried out to achieve the precise objectives of the defence forces, it is noted.
For his part, the new FARDC Chief of General Staff swore loyalty to the institutions of the Republic as well as loyalty to the Head of State and Supreme Commander.
“I solemnly swear before the Congolese nation and before the President of the Republic, supreme commander of the armed forces, to solemnly respect the constitution and the laws of DRC, to accomplish with loyalty and honour all the missions entrusted to me, to devote all my strength and all my know-how to defending the interests, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of DRC against any form of threat of a military nature, invasion or aggression until supreme sacrifice”, he said.
Several personalities enhanced this session with their presence, both on the military side and on the side of the institutions of the Republic. ACP/Matadi/Masebi/Hagu/Monikango/Bilonda/Odia
