Belgium condemns creation of the FRN, calls Joseph Kabila’s choice “incomprehensible and unacceptable”

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned former Congolese president Joseph Kabila’s decision to lead the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a politico-military movement announced in Goma on October 12. Prévot called the use of arms to attain power deplorable, incomprehensible and unacceptable, warning that violence cannot serve the people’s interests or bring peace and democracy. Belgium urged dialogue, respect for the ceasefire, implementation of commitments made in the Doha and Washington processes, and protection of civilians. The FRN says it takes over the rights and commitments of the AFC/M23, including those arising from the Doha negotiations.