Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has launched a new political-military coalition aimed at replacing the AFC-M23 alliance fighting government forces in eastern Congo, signalling a more direct role in the country's ongoing insurgency.
The new coalition, known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), will be led by Kabila, with rebel leaders Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Freddy Kaniki and Sultani Makenga serving as deputies. The group's formation was announced by its adviser, Claude Ibalanky, at a press conference on Monday.
The move marks a significant development in the conflict, as Congolese authorities have repeatedly accused Kabila of supporting AFC-M23, which seized large areas of eastern Congo during an offensive in 2025. Kabila has previously denied involvement in the insurgency.
In a speech delivered on Friday, the former president criticised the government over alleged corruption, poor governance and military setbacks in the east. He also questioned the government's minerals agreement with the United States, bringing economic policy and control of the country's natural resources into the political dispute.
Kabila has longstanding ties to Corneille Nangaa, the former head of Congo's electoral commission who oversaw the disputed 2018 election that brought President Felix Tshisekedi to power and ended Kabila's presidency.
His visit to rebel-held Goma in 2025, followed by the involvement of several former allies in AFC-M23, has further fuelled perceptions of links between the former president and the insurgency.
Regional Tensions and Rwanda's Alleged Role
The conflict in eastern Congo continues to raise concerns about regional security and diplomatic relations in Central Africa.
The United Nations and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 and exercising command and control over the rebel movement. Rwanda has denied backing the insurgency.
The formation of the FRN could add another dimension to efforts to resolve the conflict, particularly as the coalition brings together Kabila and prominent figures associated with the existing insurgency.
However, the group's establishment alone does not establish whether it will replace AFC-M23 in practice or how its leadership will affect the course of the fighting.
Legal Pressure on Kabila
Kabila's political and military ambitions come amid mounting legal pressure.
A Congolese military court sentenced him to death in absentia after convicting him of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity over allegations that he supported the AFC-M23 rebellion. Kabila has denied the accusations and described the proceedings as politically motivated.
His new coalition is therefore emerging against a backdrop of political rivalry, legal confrontation and continuing instability in the country's eastern provinces.
The Bottom Line
Joseph Kabila's launch of the FRN introduces a new political-military formation into an already complex conflict in eastern Congo. Its leadership, links to AFC-M23 and opposition to the current government could have implications for regional diplomacy, mineral investment and efforts to restore stability. Whether the coalition will replace the existing rebel alliance remains uncertain.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Congo Newsroom& Fishon Mahamba
Writing: Ayen Deng Bior& David Gaffen
