Congo-Kinshasa: What to Know About New Kabila-Led Movement in DR Congo

Former President Joseph Kabila and allies have unveiled a new political and military movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to address the country's escalating political, security, economic, and social crises. The Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN) was established in Goma on October 12, 2023, following the dissolution of the long-standing Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 alliance.

FRN aims to unite resistance forces under a new politico-military movement, dismantling the existing political system in favor of transforming the state. The group rejects the incumbent leadership's legitimacy, blaming President Félix Tshisekedi's administration for weakening state institutions, persistent insecurity, ethnic discrimination, corruption, and deteriorating living conditions.

Key figures in the new movement include Kabila as president, Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga as vice-presidents, alongside Freddy Kaniki and Benjamin Mbonimpa as secretaries-general and deputy secretaries-general, respectively. Makenga also retains his role as chief of general staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC).

The FRN vows to end what it calls "tyranny" and seeks to restore constitutional governance and independent institutions. The movement identifies the weakening of democratic institutions, disregard for constitutional provisions, and the use of force as central to DR Congo's crisis. It accuses the Tshisekedi administration of violating constitutional rights, engaging in indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and supporting genocidal militias.