At the UN, Paris reacts to the restructuring of armed movements and calls for respect of DRC sovereignty

During a UN Security Council session on October 13, 2026, French representative Jérôme Bonnafont addressed the restructuring of armed groups in the DRC, including the newly formed Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) established in Goma, led by Joseph Kabila. He emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, and stressed the urgent need to end hostilities and advance peace efforts in the Great Lakes region. The FRN's leadership includes Emmanuel Sultani Makenga as chief of staff, Freddy Kaniki as secretary-general, and Benjamin Mbonimpa as deputy secretary-general.