Congo's Military Pay Boost Amidst Eastern Crisis

The Democratic Republic of Congo has doubled the salaries for its soldiers and police in a move to enhance morale amid ongoing conflicts with M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda. The pay raises aim to improve conditions despite budgetary and payment challenges exacerbated by disruptions in the east.

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a significant increase in salaries for soldiers and police on Friday, seemingly to boost morale as M23 rebels continue their advance in the east with backing allegedly from Rwanda.

Despite the pay hike being labeled as "a turning point towards better conditions," an officer in North Kivu revealed financial struggles continue due to a freeze in salary payments amidst regional instability.

Valery Madianga, a Congolese public finance expert, expressed concerns about the budgeting impacts of this decision, as these expenses fall outside official budget allocations, complicating oversight of military payments.

(With inputs from agencies.)