Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has been named leader of a new political-military coalition bringing together senior figures from the AFC/M23 rebellion fighting government forces in the country’s east.
According to Reuters , the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) was announced on Monday, 12 October 2026, at a news conference in Goma, a city controlled by M23 since January 2025. Coalition adviser Claude Ibalanky presented the new organisation as a successor to the existing AFC/M23 alliance.
Who Will Lead the New Coalition?
Africanews reported that Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa were named vice-presidents, while M23 military commander Sultani Makenga was appointed chief of general staff. Freddy Kaniki was named secretary-general, and Benjamin Bonimpa deputy secretary-general.
The new structure brings together political and military leaders already associated with the rebellion. However, the announcement does not by itself establish that AFC/M23’s existing command structures or armed units have ceased operating.
Ibalanky said the FRN intended to bring together forces opposing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. The coalition has described its aims in terms of political change and has explicitly included the possible use of force.
Kabila’s Previous Denials and Court Sentence
Congolese authorities have accused Kabila of supporting AFC/M23, which seized substantial territory in eastern Congo during its 2025 offensive. Kabila previously denied involvement with the rebellion. His leadership of the FRN represents a more public association with figures from the movement.
In September 2025, a Congolese military court sentenced Kabila to death in absentia after convicting him of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in a case linked to alleged support for the insurgency. He rejected the accusations and described the proceedings as politically motivated.
In remarks made before the coalition announcement, Kabila criticised the government’s record on corruption, governance, and security, as well as its minerals agreement with the United States.
Peace Efforts and Regional Security
AFP reported that the new alliance was unveiled at Kabila’s residence in Goma. The development comes as diplomatic efforts continue to address fighting in eastern Congo, where civilians have faced displacement and disruption to essential services.
The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting M23. Rwanda denies backing the rebels. The announcement of the FRN does not establish whether it will change military operations or the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
A June 2026 report by UN experts had already discussed a possible restructuring of AFC/M23 and a prominent role for Kabila. The Congolese government had not publicly responded to the new coalition when the initial reports were published.
Trivane View
The key question is whether the FRN changes the conduct of the conflict or simply reorganises its leadership. Any shift in command and political direction will need to be assessed against developments on the ground, prospects for dialogue, and the safety of civilians in eastern Congo.
