Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila forms new alliance with M23 rebels

Former Democratic Republic of the Congo president Joseph Kabila announced on Monday that he has joined forces with the Rwanda backed M23 armed group to lead a new political and military alliance. Al Jazeera and France 24 both reported that the alliance was presented at a press conference at the residence of Joseph Kabila in Goma. [1][2]

Al Jazeera reported that Joseph Kabila introduced the new coalition, named the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. He stated he will head the movement alongside rebel leaders such as Corneille Nangaa, the former leader of the Congo River Alliance. France 24 noted that the M23 group has controlled the city of Goma since January 2025. [1][2]

Joseph Kabila served as the fourth president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019, taking office after the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire Kabila. He was elected president in 2006 and re elected in 2011 before stepping down following the 2018 election. France 24 reported that he was previously sentenced to death in absentia by Congolese authorities for alleged complicity with the M23 group. [2][7]

Al Jazeera reported that the launch of the new coalition has raised fears of increased fighting and potential conflict with the government of President Felix Tshisekedi in the eastern region of the country. [1]