Former Congo President Kabila Joins Forces With M23 Rebels

Former Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) President Joseph Kabila has shaped a brand new political and army coalition with the M23 insurgent group, escalating his confrontation with President Félix Tshisekedi’s authorities.

The coalition, often called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), was introduced on Monday at a press convention at Kabila’s residence in Goma, a metropolis in japanese DR Congo managed by M23 since January 2025.

According to the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse, the brand new alliance brings collectively a number of teams against Tshisekedi’s administration, together with M23 and factions beforehand related to the Congo River Alliance.

Kabila will lead the coalition, whereas Corneille Nangaa, the previous chief of the Congo River Alliance, will function considered one of its 4 vice-presidents.

A coalition adviser, Claude Ibalanky, stated the group supposed to unite resistance forces to finish what it described as tyranny, together with by means of the usage of drive.

The announcement poses a recent problem to Tshisekedi’s authorities and will complicate ongoing efforts to finish the battle in japanese DR Congo, the place armed teams have fought for management of territory for many years.

M23 has seized key areas within the mineral-rich japanese area, forcing 1000’s of individuals from their properties. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States and United Nations specialists have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, an allegation Kigali denies.

Kabila’s transfer comes after a Congolese army court docket sentenced him to demise in absentia final 12 months on expenses together with treason, battle crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity. The court docket accused him of collaborating with Rwanda and M23.

The former president has rejected the case as politically motivated and denied the allegations.

The United States additionally imposed sanctions on Kabila earlier this 12 months over his alleged help for armed teams working in japanese DR Congo.