Kabila Takes Lead of New FRN Coalition as AFC/M23 Reorganises

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has been named leader of a new political-military coalition, the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), which replaces the AFC/M23 alliance in eastern DRC.

The group was announced in Goma on the 12th of October. It brings together figures from the former AFC/M23 structure and positions itself against the government of President Félix Tshisekedi. Kabila’s adviser, Claude Ibalanky, said the FRN aims to unite and coordinate “all resistance forces.” 

The FRN will be led by Kabila. Former M23 leaders Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa have been appointed vice-presidents, while Sultani Makenga becomes chief of general staff and Freddy Kaniki secretary-general. 

The announcement follows the dissolution of the AFC/M23 alliance. The new platform is intended to pool the forces, resources and means of its members, according to the coalition’s statement. 

Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, had previously been accused by Congolese authorities of supporting the AFC/M23 rebellion. He denied involvement. His decision to head the FRN marks a more direct political and military role in the eastern conflict. 

The former president travelled to rebel-held Goma in 2025. Several of his former allies later joined AFC/M23, reinforcing perceptions of a link between Kabila and the insurgency. 

The FRN says it seeks to end what it calls “tyranny by any means necessary, including force.” A coalition member, Moïse Nyarugabo, said President Tshisekedi must choose between peace and war. 

The government has not yet commented on the announcement. The development adds uncertainty to efforts to stabilise eastern DRC, where the conflict has displaced communities and expanded the influence of armed groups. 

Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia last year by a Congolese military court on charges including treason and war crimes. He denies the allegations and says the case was politically motivated. 

The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of backing M23. Rwanda rejects the accusation. The FRN’s emergence may therefore complicate regional diplomacy and peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.

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