World News
Former DR Congo president Kabila announces new alliance with M23 rebels
Kabila presented the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation in Goma, a move seen as a major challenge to President Tshisekedi.
The short version
- Former president Joseph Kabila announced a new political-military alliance with M23 rebels on Monday at a press conference in Goma.[France 24 · ABC News · Associated Press]
- The coalition, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, includes former Congo River Alliance groups, with Corneille Nangaa named as one of four vice presidents.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The coalition says it aims to unite resistance forces by any means, including force, while the government gave no immediate reaction.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Congo's government and M23 began direct Doha negotiations under U.S. pressure, but clashes continue more than a year later.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Key facts
- Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila announced a new political-military alliance with M23 rebels on Monday.[France 24 · ABC News · Associated Press]
- The announcement was made at a news conference at Kabila's residence in Goma.[France 24 · ABC News · Associated Press]
- The coalition is named the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) and includes former Congo River Alliance rebel groups.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Corneille Nangaa, the Congo River Alliance's former leader, is to serve as one of the FRN's four vice presidents.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Last year a Congolese military court sentenced Kabila to death in absentia and said he collaborated with Rwanda and M23.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in a rapid offensive last year.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Under U.S. pressure, the Congolese government and AFC/M23 began direct negotiations in Doha.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- More than a year later, clashes continue in eastern Congo.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The exact timing of M23's control of Goma is reported inconsistently across sources.[France 24 · Associated Press]
- The government's formal response is unknown, as no immediate reaction was reported.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- DR Congo's former president Joseph Kabila to lead new movement with M23 rebelsFrance 24
- Congo’s former President Kabila launches an anti-government front including M23 rebelsAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- Congo's ex-President Kabila launches an anti-government front including M23 rebelsABC News - International
- Former DR Congo president Kabila joins M23 rebels in a new coalitionAl Jazeera
- Ex-president named leader of new DR Congo rebel coalitionBBC News - World
- DR Congo: Kabila’s move towards M23 raises questions over peaceDeutsche Welle
- Ex-DRC President Kabila’s alliance with M23 rebels: Why it mattersAl Jazeera