Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) President Joseph Kabila has emerged as the leader of a new political and military coalition that seeks to challenge the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) was unveiled on Monday, October 12, at Kabila’s residence in Goma, a major city in eastern DR Congo controlled by the M23 rebel group.
The coalition says it intends to unite opposition and armed groups to end what it describes as tyranny in the country, pledging to pursue its objectives “by any means necessary, including the use of force”.
The announcement marks a significant development in Kabila’s involvement in the conflict, following previous denials of links to the M23 rebellion.
The new movement brings together figures associated with the former Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)-M23 alliance. Among its leaders are M23 military commander Sultani Makenga and Corneille Nangaa, a former electoral official who led the Congo River Alliance.
Kabila’s appointment comes a year after a military court sentenced him to death in absentia over charges including treason and alleged support for the rebellion. He has rejected the accusations, describing the case as politically motivated.
Before the coalition’s launch, Kabila criticised Tshisekedi’s administration, accusing it of undermining constitutional governance, mishandling the economy and failing to restore security in the conflict-hit east. The government has not publicly responded to the coalition’s announcement.
Kabila ruled DR Congo from 2001 to 2019 before handing power to Tshisekedi following a disputed election. The two leaders later fell out after initially maintaining a political understanding.
