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Joseph Kabila launches FRN politico-military movement in DRC
Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila has officially launched the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a new politico-military movement established on October 12, 2026, in Goma. The FRN is positioned as a successor to the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the M23 rebel group.
Kabila, who was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025 for treason and war crimes, has assumed leadership of the movement. Sultani Makenga has been designated as the FRN vice-president for military affairs and chief of staff. The movement has already begun mobilizing troops, with Makenga conducting a parade in Goma to prepare for what the group describes as the ‘liberation of Congo’ from the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
The announcement has triggered intense political backlash in Kinshasa. Supporters of President Tshisekedi, including Vital Kamerhe and various parliamentary officials, have condemned the move, arguing that joining an armed movement is contradictory to peace efforts. Meanwhile, the FRN aims to unite opposition forces to challenge the current government, stating they will use any means necessary, including force, to end the current administration.
In response to the escalating threat, President Tshisekedi convened an emergency military council. Regionally, Zambian Army Commander Geoffrey Zyeele has called for the reinforcement of peace frameworks and ceasefire monitoring to prevent further instability in the Great Lakes region.
Entities
Democratic Republic of the Congo · Front for the Refoundation of the Nation · Front pour la refondation de la nation · Félix Tshisekedi · Goma · Joseph Kabila · Sultani Makenga
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The FRN is a politico-military movement that succeeds the M23 and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). information.tv5monde.com · zambianobserver.com · afrique-news.tg · kessiya.com · www.congoindependant.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vital Kamerhe criticized Kabila's decision, calling it contradictory to pursue peace while joining an armed movement. kessiya.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The FRN was officially established on October 12, 2026, in Goma. afrique-news.tg · zambianobserver.com · kessiya.com · panafricanvisions.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Félix Tshisekedi held an emergency military council to address the new politico-military threat. afrique-news.tg
- [● 10 SOURCES] Joseph Kabila has assumed leadership of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). afrique-news.tg · kessiya.com · information.tv5monde.com · zambianobserver.com · intellivoire.net · +4 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025 for treason and war crimes. zambianobserver.com · journaldesnations.net · panafricanvisions.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Zambian Army Commander Geoffrey Zyeele called for the implementation of peace frameworks and ceasefire monitoring. zambianobserver.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sultani Makenga has been designated as the FRN vice-president for military affairs and chief of staff. afrique-news.tg · zambianobserver.com