Joseph Kabila has been named leader of a new rebel coalition in DR Congo, marking the clearest sign yet of his involvement with armed groups in the east. The move comes amid long-running conflict, disputed politics and accusations over M23 ties.
01Summary
- 01The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) says it will coordinate "resistance forces" to end "tyranny" in Democratic Republic of Congo.
- 02The group says it will pursue its aims "by all means, including force".
- 03Claude Ibalanky announced the leadership at a press conference at Kabila's residence in Goma, which has been under M23 control since last year.
- 04M23 leader Sultani Makenga will be one of Kabila's four deputies, and the other three also come from the AFC-M23 alliance.
- 05Kabila, 55, ruled DR Congo from 2001 until January 2019 and returned to Goma last year after self-imposed exile in 2023.
02Why it matters
The formation of this coalition could intensify fighting in eastern DR Congo, where more than 100 militia groups are active. It also raises the political stakes for President Félix Tshisekedi ahead of elections due in 2028.
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