Fears grow in DRC as former President Joseph Kabila joins rebellion

Former President Joseph Kabila has joined and leads a new political-military coalition, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), announced in Goma. It replaces the alliance between the Alliance Fleuve Congo and the March 23 Movement (M23), accuses President Felix Tshisekedi of tyranny and calls for resistance, including by force. Goma has been under M23-AFC control since January 2025, amid a conflict that has displaced millions and is shaped by regional tensions, including those between Kinshasa and Kigali. Residents fear the latest realignment will put peace further out of reach.