Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila joins new political military rebellion

Former President Joseph Kabila has joined a new political and military coalition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to challenge President Felix Tshisekedi. Al Jazeera reported that the coalition was announced in Goma on Monday evening. The group is called the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation, or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. [1]

The new coalition is led by Joseph Kabila and replaces an existing alliance between the Alliance Fleuve Congo and the March 23 Movement, also known as M23. Al Jazeera reported that the group brings together figures from both movements, accuses Felix Tshisekedi of tyranny, and calls for resistance by all means including force. As FTMQ News reported earlier, M23 is backed by Rwanda and has controlled the eastern city of Goma since January 2025. [1][4]

Joseph Kabila was the fourth president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019. He took office ten days after his father, President Laurent-Desire Kabila, was assassinated during the Second Congo War. He founded the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, won presidential elections in 2006 and 2011, and became a senator for life after stepping down following the 2018 election. [2][4]

The creation of the coalition raises new questions regarding the war in eastern Congo and prospects for peace. Al Jazeera reported that hopes for peace in the region have suffered another setback following the announcement. [1]