DRC: Without naming Kabila or the FRN, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf recalls African charter banning seizure of power by force

African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he is closely monitoring the security and political situation in the DRC following the official launch of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), led by former president Joseph Kabila. Without naming Kabila or the movement, he recalled that the African Charter condemns unconstitutional changes of government, including seizing power by force. The FRN says its primary mission is to “end tyranny” and that it would use all means, including force. Youssouf urged dialogue, respect for the ceasefire, and implementation of commitments made in the Doha and Washington processes; the FRN says it has assumed the rights and obligations of the AFC/M23, including those related to the Doha negotiations.