GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Oct. 13, 2026 (AFP)** — Members of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the M23 armed group have been asked to join a new political and military coalition called the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), according to Claude Ibalanky, a spokesman for former Congolese president Joseph Kabila.
The coalition was announced in Goma on October 12, with Kabila, who led the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019, presented as its leading figure.
A declaration announcing the formation of the FRN was read by Ibalanky and outlined plans to unite political and military forces opposed to the government in Kinshasa. However, publicly available information has yet to provide a full transcript of his remarks confirming in detail how AFC/M23 members would be integrated into the new coalition.
The announcement comes as the AFC/M23 continues to play a major role in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, while diplomatic efforts to secure peace face persistent challenges.
The establishment of the FRN could reshape the political and military structures of forces opposed to the Kinshasa government. Further details remain unclear, however, regarding the coalition’s relationship with the AFC and the future status of the M23 movement.
Among the figures associated with the launch of the FRN were Kabila, Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga. Ibalanky read the declaration announcing the coalition’s formation.
Analysts say the coalition may extend beyond the groups already associated with the AFC/M23. Reports also suggest that several armed groups linked to the Wazalendo movement have sought to join the FRN, although the claims have not been independently verified.
Other groups reportedly mentioned in connection with the coalition include Bakata Katanga, which operates in the Katanga region; APLFC, active in Tanganyika province; the Mai-Mai Mobondo movement; and an armed group associated with Thomas Lubanga, who has been linked to armed activity in Ituri province.
The FRN is also said to include some political parties belonging to the C64 coalition, which has opposed President Felix Tshisekedi’s efforts to amend the constitution, as well as associations organised around political beliefs.
Analysts say the formation of the FRN could mark a shift in the strategy of forces previously operating under the AFC/M23 banner, potentially broadening their political ambitions beyond eastern Congo towards Kinshasa. However, the coalition’s precise objectives, command structure and operational plans have yet to be independently established.
By Ally Mwizerwa
Rwandatribune
