Kabila Launches Coalition With M23, Raising Fears of Wider DRC Conflict

Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila has announced a new political and military coalition that includes the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, raising concerns over a possible escalation of conflict in eastern DRC.

Kabila introduced the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN, at a news conference on Monday at his residence in Goma. He said he would lead the coalition alongside rebel leaders.

Corneille Nangaa, the former leader of the Congo River Alliance and the political wing of M23, is expected to serve as one of Kabila’s deputies.

Coalition calls for united resistance

Claude Ibalanky, an adviser to the coalition, said the FRN was intended to bring together all resistance forces. He said its purpose was “to put an end to tyranny by any means necessary, including the use of force”.

The announcement has increased concerns about a possible confrontation between Kabila and President Felix Tshisekedi’s government. Alain Uaykani, an Al Jazeera reporter, said Kabila’s background as a former army chief had prompted fears that government troops could defect and join him.

“He’s still a soldier; he has led an army. People are worried that more soldiers from the government may join him as well,” Uaykani said.

Yvon Muya, a researcher at the University of Ottawa, said the announcement could increase the chances of a direct confrontation between Kabila and Tshisekedi and lead to more fighting in eastern DRC.

“You don’t make an announcement like this without having prepared the actions that follow,” Muya said. “We will likely witness an escalation on the military front.”

M23 controls key territory

M23 has captured large areas of eastern DRC and has controlled Goma since January 2025. The group reportedly also holds Bukabu, airports and important border crossings with Rwanda and Uganda, according to Uaykani.

The Congolese government has been unable to push the rebels back, while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict have failed, with both sides blaming the other.

Representatives of the DRC government and M23 were expected to meet in Qatar in November. Analysts cited in the source warned that the FRN’s creation could undermine those planned discussions, although it remains unclear whether the talks will proceed or be affected by the new coalition.

The DRC government had not immediately responded to Kabila’s announcement.

Kabila faces legal and political pressure

Kabila led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, taking office at the age of 29 after the assassination of his father. A DRC military court sentenced him to death in absentia last year on charges including treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The court found that Kabila had collaborated with Rwanda and M23. Kabila has rejected the accusations and described the case as politically motivated.

The United States imposed sanctions on Kabila earlier this year over his alleged role in financing rebel groups. The DRC, the United States and United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda denies the allegation.

The coalition announcement also comes ahead of a significant political period in Kinshasa. Tshisekedi’s second term ends in 2028, while his allies have been preparing public opinion for possible changes to the constitution’s two-term presidential limit.