Joseph Kabila Named Leader of DR Congo Rebel Alliance

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a vast nation two-thirds the size of western Europe, rich in gold, diamonds, and minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries. On October 27, former president Joseph Kabila was named leader of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, officially confirming his alliance with the M23 rebel group.

Kabila, 55, commanded the rebel forces that brought his father Laurent Kabila to power in 1997. He served as president for 18 years before handing power to Félix Tshisekedi in 2019. The M23 rebels seized control of much of eastern Congo last year, capturing the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.

The alliance connects two men who previously shared a coalition government. Kabila is now vowing to topple Tshisekedi, the man he helped install. His political networks offer the M23 a potential route to national legitimacy, while the rebels provide Kabila with a military base to regain influence.

Henry-Pacifique Mayala, a policy analyst, stated that Kabila had few options for regaining political power. He noted that Kabila was facing a death sentence after a military court convicted him of treason in absentia in September 2025. US sanctions over alleged support for the M23 further limited his options.

Mayala suggested Kabila sought assurances that the partnership would benefit his interests. He said the M23 military strength could give Kabila greater leverage in future negotiations. Tshisekedi reacted to the news by calling Kabila a man who never loved the country or its inhabitants.

Kabila accused Tshisekedi of acting like a tyrant and ignoring the constitution. He cited Section 64 of the constitution, which calls for resistance against those who exercise power in violation of constitutional provisions. The C64 opposition coalition, named for that section, refused to back the rebellion, stating that military force alone cannot resolve the security crisis.

Richard Moncrieff of the International Crisis Group said Tshisekedi retains strong American backing and control over the political and military systems. Kabila previously helped ensure Tshisekedi won the disputed 2018 election, a deal confirmed by Corneille Nangaa, the former head of the electoral commission. Nangaa said he drafted the agreement and that Tshisekedi knew its contents.

The conflict in the east has continued despite a peace accord overseen by Donald Trump last year. The US signed an agreement to extract Congo's mineral wealth and has imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials. Kabila asked if Congo needs elections or a revolution, arguing that lasting peace requires a fundamental overhaul of the executive and legislature.