Joseph Kabila named leader of new DR Congo rebel coalition

The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) said it aimed to coordinate "resistance forces" to end "tyranny" in DR Congo and would pursue that goal "by all means, including force".

The coalition was unveiled at a press conference on Monday at Kabila's residence in Goma, the largest city in eastern DR Congo, which has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since last year.

M23 leader Sultani Makenga will serve as one of Kabila's four deputies in the new movement. The other three deputies also come from the AFC-M23 alliance, which last year seized much of the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo.

The announcement comes a year after Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia for treason. He had previously denied having links to M23.

The former president, 55, ruled DR Congo from 2001 until January 2019, when Felix Tshisekedi took office following a disputed election. He remained largely out of public view for several years but has become increasingly critical of his successor's administration.

Days before the coalition was announced, Kabila delivered an address in which he said he would set out how Congolese people should act to "rescue" their country. On Friday, he accused the Tshisekedi government of disregarding proposals he put forward last year, including some aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DR Congo.

He also accused the government of undermining constitutional rule, mismanaging the economy and failing to improve security, and alleged arbitrary arrests of political opponents and military officers.

The Congolese government has not commented on either the coalition announcement or the accusations. The formation of the new coalition comes at an uncertain time in a country that has been wracked by years of conflict in its eastern provinces.

Analysis

Why This Matters

A former head of state openly joining an armed rebel coalition is a major escalation in DR Congo's political crisis, blurring the line between political opposition and insurgency.
The alliance between Kabila and the M23-led AFC movement unites the country's most prominent opposition figure with the group controlling much of the mineral-rich east, potentially reshaping the conflict.
The government's silence leaves uncertainty over whether this will trigger a security crackdown, negotiations, or wider instability across the region.

Background

DR Congo has experienced decades of conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces, where numerous armed groups have operated. Joseph Kabila succeeded his father as president in 2001 and held power until January 2019, handing over to Felix Tshisekedi after a disputed election. In recent years the M23 group has gained ground in eastern DR Congo. Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia for treason last year, a ruling that reflected the deepening rift between the two men. His new coalition appears to formalise his alignment with forces he previously denied supporting.

Key Perspectives

Joseph Kabila and the FRN coalition: Present themselves as resistance forces seeking to end "tyranny", accusing the Tshisekedi government of disregarding peace proposals, undermining constitutional rule, mismanaging the economy and failing on security. The Congolese government: Has not publicly commented on the coalition or Kabila's accusations, leaving its position and intended response unknown. Critics and observers: Will likely point to the risk that a coalition explicitly pursuing its goal "by all means, including force" could deepen the conflict in eastern DR Congo and complicate efforts to end the violence.

What to Watch

Whether the Congolese government breaks its silence and how it responds, including any security measures in Goma and the east.
Reactions from regional powers and international actors concerned about stability in central Africa.
The practical cohesion of the coalition, given Kabila's history and the M23's battlefield role.
Any further statements from Kabila outlining how Congolese people should "rescue" the country.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources