Goma, DR Congo — Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has announced a new political-military coalition involving leaders of the M23 rebellion and other groups opposed to President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
The coalition, named the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), was unveiled on Monday in Goma, a major city in eastern DR Congo under M23 control.
Kabila was named leader of the new alliance, while senior figures from the AFC-M23 movement, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga, were assigned leadership positions.
The announcement marks a significant development in Kabila’s relationship with the rebellion, which has been fighting Congolese government forces in the country’s east.
Joseph Kabila joins forces with AFC-M23 leaders
The FRN says it intends to unite political organizations and armed groups seeking to replace Tshisekedi’s administration.
Its leaders have not ruled out the use of force to achieve their objectives, raising concerns about further violence in a region already affected by prolonged fighting.
The involvement of senior AFC-M23 figures places some of the rebellion’s most prominent leaders within the new coalition’s leadership structure.
Nangaa, Bisimwa and Makenga have played leading roles in the alliance and its military campaign in eastern DR Congo.
Kabila’s previous M23 allegations and death sentence
Kabila’s involvement in the FRN represents his most direct public association with the M23-led insurgency.
The former president had previously denied supporting the rebel movement despite repeated accusations from the Congolese government.
Last year, a military court sentenced Kabila to death in absentia on charges including treason linked to alleged support for the rebellion.
Kabila rejected the accusations against him.
The formation of the FRN comes amid continuing tensions between the former president and Tshisekedi’s administration.
New coalition raises concerns over eastern DR Congo conflict
The announcement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
M23 has captured significant territory and established control over major population centers, including Goma, during its campaign against government forces.
The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and worsened humanitarian conditions across the region.
The emergence of a coalition bringing together political opponents and armed groups adds another dimension to the conflict, with its leaders openly seeking a change of government in Kinshasa.
