KINSHASA, DR Congo – Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has launched a new political-military coalition that brings together leaders of the AFC-M23 insurgency, escalating his confrontation with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
The new group, known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), will be headed by Kabila, with rebel leaders Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Freddy Kaniki and Sultani Makenga serving as deputies.
The coalition was announced by Claude Ibalanky, an adviser to the group, during a press conference.
Its formation signals a more direct role for Kabila in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, where the AFC-M23 alliance has seized extensive territory during offensives against government forces.
Kabila Accuses Government Of Poor Governance
In a speech on Friday, Kabila accused Tshisekedi’s administration of corruption, poor governance and military setbacks in eastern Congo.
He also criticised the government’s minerals deal with the United States.
Congolese authorities have for months accused Kabila of supporting AFC-M23, allegations he previously denied. His political and personal ties to Nangaa, a former head of the country’s electoral commission, have also drawn scrutiny.
Nangaa oversaw the disputed 2018 election that brought Tshisekedi to office as Kabila’s presidency came to an end.
Kabila travelled to rebel-held Goma in 2025, while several of his former allies have since taken positions within AFC-M23, further fuelling perceptions of links between the former president and the insurgency.
Rwanda Denies Backing M23
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has heightened regional tensions, with the United Nations and Western governments accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 and exercising command and control over the rebels.
Rwanda has denied backing the insurgency.
The emergence of the FRN adds a new political dimension to the conflict, bringing Kabila into a coalition whose leadership includes senior figures associated with the armed rebellion.
Kabila Sentenced To Death In Absentia
Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia by a military court after being convicted of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity over allegations that he supported the AFC-M23 rebellion.
He has denied the accusations and described the case as politically motivated.
