Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila took charge on Monday, October 12, in Goma of a new politico-military front that includes leaders of the M23, the armed group controlling vast territories in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation claims to succeed the Fleuve Congo Alliance, whose dissolution it announces. A declaration signed in Goma on October 10 and 11 states its intention to coordinate forces opposed to the Kinshasa government and explicitly considers the use of force.
The document, however, does not set any operational timeline nor announce any specific offensive. The accusations against President Félix Tshisekedi and his government reflect the position of the signatories of the new movement.
Among the leaders associated with the new structure are Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa. Sultani Makenga is presented as chief of staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army with the rank of vice president, while Freddy Rukema Kaniki becomes secretary general and coordinator of the executive committee.
The Congolese government had not immediately responded to the announcement, according to the Associated Press. This reshuffle comes as the negotiations held in Doha between Kinshasa and the AFC-M23 have not ended the clashes in the eastern part of the country.
Joseph Kabila led the DRC from 2001 to 2019. A military court sentenced him to death in absentia in September 2025 for treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity related to his alleged support for the AFC-M23. The former head of state disputes these charges and claims that the proceedings were political.
The United Nations and several Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23. Kigali denies these accusations. The creation of the front adds a new formal actor to the diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
