Ex-president named leader of new DR Congo rebel coalition

What the report says

BBC Africa reports that former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has been named leader of a new rebel coalition called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). The group says it wants to unite “resistance forces” against what it describes as tyranny in DR Congo and says it will pursue that goal by any means, including force.

The announcement was made at a press conference at Kabila’s residence in Goma, a major city in eastern DR Congo that has been controlled by the M23 rebel group since last year. One of Kabila’s deputies in the new movement is M23 leader Sultani Makenga, and the other deputy roles are held by figures linked to the AFC-M23 alliance. BBC Africa says this is the clearest sign yet of Kabila’s direct involvement in an armed movement, following his in absentia death sentence last year on treason charges. Kabila had previously denied any ties to M23.

Kabila, 55, ruled DR Congo from 2001 to 2019 and has recently become more outspoken against President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. In recent remarks, he accused the administration of ignoring his proposals to help end the conflict in the east, weakening constitutional rule, mismanaging the economy and failing to improve security. The government had not responded publicly at the time of the report.

The development comes amid long-running violence in eastern DR Congo, where many armed groups operate amid ethnic tensions, political competition and control of mineral wealth. BBC Africa notes that the timing is sensitive as the country faces uncertainty over future elections and possible constitutional changes.