Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has launched a new political-military coalition to replace the AFC-M23 alliance fighting government forces in eastern DRC, taking a more direct role in an ‌insurgency he had previously stopped short of openly backing.

The new ‘politico-military’ group known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) will be headed by Kabila, with rebel leaders Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Freddy Kaniki and Sultani Makenga serving as deputies, the group’s adviser Claude Ibalanky ⁠announced at a press conference.

DRC authorities have for months accused Kabila of supporting AFC/M23, which captured vast territories in eastern DRC during an offensive last year, but Kabila had denied involvement.

In a speech on Friday, Kabila accused the government of corruption, poor governance and military setbacks in eastern DRC, and criticised its minerals deal with the United States.

Kabila is an ally of Nangaa, the former Electoral Commission Chief who oversaw the ‌contested ⁠2018 vote that ushered Felix Tshisekedi into office and ended Kabila’s Presidency.

Kabila travelled to rebel-held Goma in 2025, and several former allies have since taken positions within AFC/M23, deepening perceptions of an alliance between Kabila and the insurgency.

The ⁠United Nations and Western governments accuse Rwanda of backing M23 and exercising command and control over the rebels. Rwanda denies supporting the insurgency.

Kabila was sentenced to death in ⁠absentia by a military court after being convicted of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity over allegations that he supported the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 ⁠rebellion in eastern DRC. He has denied the accusations and said the case was politically motivated.

–Reuters–