Kabila launches new coalition with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo

Former Democratic Republic of the Congo president Joseph Kabila has announced a new political and military coalition with the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group and allied figures in the eastern city of Goma. The group, called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, was unveiled at a press conference at Kabila's residence in Goma, a city that M23 has controlled since January 2025. The announcement raises the prospect of a sharper confrontation with President Felix Tshisekedi's government.

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Kabila said he would lead the coalition, with Corneille Nangaa, the former leader of the Congo River Alliance and the political wing of M23, among those serving as deputies. A coalition adviser, Claude Ibalanky, said the group aims to unite resistance forces "to put an end to tyranny, by any means necessary including the use of force." There was no immediate response from the DRC government after the announcement. Analysts said the move could increase the chances of direct conflict between Kabila and Tshisekedi and may lead to more fighting in eastern DR Congo.

The development comes against the backdrop of a long-running conflict in the east, where M23 has captured large areas and where accusations of outside support have repeatedly complicated efforts to stabilise the region. The DRC, the United States and United Nations experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Rwanda denies. The new coalition also comes as representatives of the DRC government and M23 were expected to meet in Qatar in November for talks, a process analysts warn could now be undermined.

That makes the announcement significant not only as a political realignment, but also as a possible obstacle to diplomacy. Kabila ruled DR Congo from 2001 to 2019, taking office after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila. His return to the centre of the conflict is notable because he has already faced legal and political pressure over alleged links to the rebellion.

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A military court sentenced him to death in absentia last year on charges of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity, saying he collaborated with Rwanda and M23. Kabila has rejected the case as politically motivated and denies the charges. The United States also imposed sanctions on him earlier this year over his alleged role in funding rebel groups.

The announcement may also affect domestic politics in Kinshasa, where Tshisekedi's second term runs until 2028 and his allies have been preparing public opinion for possible changes to the constitution's two-term limit. With rebel activity intensifying in the east, any formal alliance between a former head of state and an armed movement could deepen mistrust and widen the conflict's political reach. It also places renewed attention on the balance between military pressure and negotiations in the region.

What remains unclear is how much military capability the new coalition can mobilise and whether it will translate into coordinated action on the ground. It is also not yet clear how the DRC government will respond, or whether the planned Qatar talks will proceed as scheduled. The next developments to watch are any official reaction from Kinshasa, movement by M23-linked forces in the east, and signs that the diplomatic track is being delayed or abandoned.

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