Goma, DR Congo – Hopes for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have suffered another setback after former President Joseph Kabila joined a new political-military coalition challenging President Felix Tshisekedi. Announced in Goma on Monday evening, the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, is led by Kabila and replaces the existing alliance between the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the March 23 Movement (M23). The new coalition brings together figures and forces associated with the two movements, accuses Tshisekedi of tyranny and calls for resistance by all means, including force.
Goma, the main city in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province, has been under M23-AFC control since January last year. Kabila’s move brings a former head of state directly into the leadership of the rebellion. The conflict has displaced millions and drawn in neighbouring countries.
Its roots stretch back decades, shaped by regional rivalries, unresolved security concerns and competition for territory and mineral resources. The aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide helped fuel wars across the region, while tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali continue to shape the fighting. M23 says it took up arms because the Congolese government failed to honour earlier commitments.
The Congolese government and international actors have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, an allegation Kigali denies, citing security threats from armed groups operating in eastern Congo. Whether Kabila’s leadership will reshape the rebellion or further complicate efforts to end the war remains unclear. In Goma, residents fear the latest realignment will push peace further out of reach.
For Basa Juhudi, Kabila’s decision has revived fears that the conflict will drag on. And we are greatly surprised that even our former president has joined the fray,” he told Al Jazeera. Juhudi said Kabila’s political experience makes his involvement particularly troubling.
I am not happy about this frightening situation.” He also fears for the country’s democratic future, recalling the peaceful transfer of power in 2019, when Tshisekedi succeeded Kabila. I don’t know if I will be lucky enough to experience a proper democracy in the DRC. I was delighted by the country’s very first peaceful transfer of power,” Juhudi said.
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