The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) was officially announced on 12 October 2026 in Goma, Nord-Kivu. Joseph Kabila serves as the president of this new rebel movement.
Structure of the New Movement
The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) replaces the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which is now dissolved. Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa serve as vice-presidents of the FRN. Founders of the FRN stated, "Il y a péril, ne pas agir, c’est trahir." An unnamed activist commented on the transition, noting, "Il faut que nous nous distinguions. Il est le premier ancien président au monde à redevenir rebelle après 18 ans au pouvoir." This structural shift consolidates the leadership hierarchy under Joseph Kabila as the organization transitions from the AFC. The newly formed movement maintains its operational base in Goma while formalizing these internal appointments to oversee its activities across the region.
Historical Context of Rebellion
The AFC/M23 coalition captured Goma in January 2025 before seizing Bukavu in February 2025. These territorial gains established a significant footprint for the coalition within the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu regions.
Following these earlier operations, the AFC/M23 coalition occupied Uvira in December 2025. The coalition maintained control over the area for several weeks before completing a full withdrawal from Uvira in January 2026. These events preceded the recent formation of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, which now manages the operational structure previously held by the AFC.
Legal Status and Motivations
The Congolese High Military Court sentenced Joseph Kabila to death in absentia during September 2025. This judicial action followed charges of treason and supporting an insurrection against the state. The court proceedings took place while the former president remained outside the jurisdiction of the government in Kinshasa.
General-major Emmanuel Sultani Makenga serves as a leader of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). He also holds the position of chief of staff for the Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC). This military appointment integrates his leadership role within the newly established movement, which operates as the successor to the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). His command responsibilities involve overseeing the operational activities of the ARC as the organization formalizes its structure under the leadership of Joseph Kabila.
