Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has assumed leadership of a new political-military coalition, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), announced on October 12, 2026, in Goma, eastern DRC, explicitly stating its intention to end President Felix Tshisekedi's rule by force. This development escalates the conflict in eastern DRC and raises significant concerns for regional stability, particularly as it involves a former head of state leading an armed rebellion.

The New Coalition

The FRN formally replaces or absorbs the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and includes the M23 rebels. The declaration establishing the FRN, dated October 12, states that the AFC's existence has ended, with the FRN succeeding it. Joseph Kabila serves as President of the new organization, with Bertrand Bisimwa as First Vice-President and Corneille Nangaa as Second Vice-President. Major General Sultani Makenga is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, and Professor Dr. Freddy Kaniki is the Secretary-General. The coalition's stated mission is to end what it describes as tyranny by any means necessary, including force, citing Article 64 of the Congolese Constitution to justify its actions.

A Shift in Alliances

This move marks a significant departure for Kabila, who governed the DRC for 18 years and previously considered M23 his primary adversary. His alliance with the rebel group represents a major political shift and introduces a new dimension to his opposition against President Tshisekedi. The formation of the FRN also complicates ongoing peace negotiations mediated by Qatar in Doha, which involve the Congolese government and the AFC/M23. Analysts suggest the FRN provides the rebels with a political voice claiming national legitimacy, potentially altering the terms of future diplomatic engagement.

The Timeline of Emergence

The announcement on October 12, 2026, followed two days of closed-door meetings among the movement's leaders in Goma, a city that has been under M23 control since January 2025. Reports indicate that a United Nations Group of Experts had noted a possible restructuring of the AFC/M23 with a leading role for Kabila as early as June. Days before the formal announcement, Kabila delivered a recorded address criticizing President Tshisekedi's government, portraying the Congolese crisis as a national emergency.

Official Statements

The FRN explicitly states its intention to remove President Felix Tshisekedi from power, including through the use of force. The group's adviser reiterated that its mission is to end tyranny "by any means necessary, including force". The Congolese government has interpreted Kabila's move as a "general attack" against the state.

What We Could Not Confirm

It remains unclear how the FRN plans to mobilize additional political and military support beyond what the M23-AFC already commands, particularly given current pressure from the Congolese military and allied militias. The declaration establishing the FRN does not explicitly detail the future status of the M23 movement independently from the FRN. The specific objectives beyond overthrowing President Tshisekedi, such as a reconfiguration of power or altered negotiation terms, are also questions yet to be definitively answered.