Former DR Congo president Kabila joins M23 rebels in a new coalition

What happened: Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila launched the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a political and military coalition that includes the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. He announced it in Goma, which M23 has controlled since January 2025. Key numbers: Kabila led DR Congo from 2001 to 2019. Why it matters: Researcher Yvon Muya said the announcement raises the chances of direct confrontation between Kabila and President Felix Tshisekedi and could bring more fighting in eastern DRC. Analysts warn the coalition could undermine planned DRC-M23 talks in Qatar.

Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila launched the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a political and military coalition that includes the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. He announced it in Goma, which M23 has controlled since January 2025.

Researcher Yvon Muya said the announcement raises the chances of direct confrontation between Kabila and President Felix Tshisekedi and could bring more fighting in eastern DRC. Analysts warn the coalition could undermine planned DRC-M23 talks in Qatar.