Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has announced the formation of a new political and military alliance that includes the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group — a force that controls large swaths of territory in the country's east.
At a news conference on Monday at his residence in the eastern city of Goma, Kabila introduced the National Reconstruction Front (FRN), according to reports from the event. Goma has been under M23 control since January 2025.
Kabila said he will lead the FRN, with rebel leaders serving as vice presidents, including Corneille Nangaa — former head of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the political wing of M23.
Claude Ibalanky, an adviser to the alliance, said the group aims to unite all resistance forces "to end the autocratic regime, by all necessary means, including force."
Authorities in DR Congo did not immediately respond to the announcement.
According to researcher Yvon Muya of the University of Ottawa in Canada, the move increases the likelihood of direct confrontation between Kabila and DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and could lead to intensified fighting in the country's east.
"One does not make such a statement without preparing for what comes next. In all likelihood, we will see an escalation on the military front," Muya said.
Representatives of the DR Congo government and the M23 movement are expected to meet in Qatar in November, but analysts warn the new alliance could undermine that process.
Kabila led DR Congo from 2001 to 2019, taking office at age 29 after his father, President Laurent Kabila, was assassinated.
Last year, a DR Congo military court sentenced Kabila in absentia to death on charges of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity, alleging he cooperated with Rwanda and M23. Kabila called the case politically motivated and denied the charges.
Earlier this year, the United States imposed sanctions on Kabila over allegations that he funded rebel groups.
DR Congo, the United States and United Nations experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda denies the allegation.
Tshisekedi's second term ends in 2028. His allies are preparing public opinion for changes to the constitutional two-term limit, amid growing insurgent activity in the east.
