DR Congo’s ex-president Joseph Kabila joins forces with M23 rebels to form new alliance

Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila announced plans to lead a new political-military alliance alongside the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which controls large parts of the violence-affected eastern region of the country.

The partnership was unveiled during a joint press conference held at Kabila’s residence in Goma, a key city in eastern Congo that has been under M23 control since January 2025.

Kabila, 55, was sentenced to death in absentia a year ago on charges of complicity with the M23 rebel group. He previously ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019.

Congolese authorities have accused Kabila of helping establish the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the now-defunct political wing associated with M23. His latest move signals renewed involvement in regional politics amid ongoing instability.

The announcement comes at a time of growing uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political landscape. President Felix Tshisekedi, 63, and Kabila’s successor, will conclude his second and final five-year term in 2028, as stipulated by the constitution.

Despite term limits, discussions about potential constitutional revisions have been quietly gaining traction among the ruling majority, raising questions about future governance.

For decades, eastern DRC has suffered from persistent instability, with numerous mediation efforts yielding little lasting peace. ADecember 2024 agreement brokered between Kinshasa and Kigali under U.S. supervision has shown limited impact on the ground.

In July 2025, both Kinshasa and M23 pledged to observe a ceasefire mediated by Qatar, though violations continue to be reported.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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