Joseph Kabila at the helm of the new political-military movement, FRN

Former President Joseph Kabila is leading a new political-military movement called the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), according to an announcement made October 12 in Goma. The FRN succeeds the M23 armed movement and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. The declaration also orders the dissolution of the AFC.

Kabila receives support from Corneille Nangaa, a former presidential candidate, and Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of the M23. Emanuel Sultani Makenga remains Chief of the General Staff with the rank of Vice-President. Freddy Kaniki serves as secretary-general, while Benjamin Mbonimpa acts as deputy secretary-general.

The formation of the FRN follows the November 15, 2025, signing of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and the AFC/M23. Observers have raised questions regarding how the new movement will honor the commitments and terms established in that peace agreement.