Joseph Kabila launches rebel coalition to topple DR Congo government
One Turn followed this story across 2 editions, from Kinshasa, DR Congo on October 12, 2026. Newest first.
Kabila ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019 and was succeeded by Tshisekedi. The M23 rebels have seized large parts of eastern Congo; UN experts and Kinshasa say the group is backed by Rwanda, which denies arming it.
Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila announced a political-military coalition called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. It brings together the M23, Twirwaneho and the Congo River Alliance, and says its aim is to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi's government.
Why it matters: A former head of state openly leading armed groups could widen the war in eastern Congo and draw in more of the region.
Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila announced a political-military coalition called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, including the M23, Twirwaneho and the Congo River Alliance. The group says it aims to coordinate resistance forces to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi's government.
Why it matters: A former head of state openly leading armed groups could deepen the war in eastern Congo and destabilise the Great Lakes region.