Psychological Challenges and Support Strategies for Military Personnel Deployed in Eastern DRC: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

This article analyzes the psychological challenges faced by military personnel deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region plagued by insecurity and difficult operational conditions. It addresses operational stress, psychological trauma, and organizational dysfunctions that impair soldier performance. Aggravating factors include prolonged exposure to danger, unclear expectations, a lack of logistical support, the absence of military mental health structures, and the stigma associated with seeking psychological help. These elements lead to a high prevalence of disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, operational fatigue, and risky behaviors. The research employs a qualitative approach, including interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, to identify existing support strategies, their limitations, and necessary improvements. It reveals that current, often informal, mechanisms are insufficient to address the complexity of the situations and the severity of the symptoms. The project includes a comparative analysis with other African countries that have more structured military psychological services, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated approaches based on resilience, peer support, ongoing guidance, and leadership involvement. The Congolese case stands out due to the lack of institutional recognition of mental health as a key factor in operational performance. The project underscores the urgent need to establish formal support mechanisms, improve psychological training for military personnel, strengthen logistics, and transform organizational culture to reduce stigma, promote prevention, and ensure long-term operational effectiveness.