DR Congo's Kabila Launches New Alliance With M23 Rebels

· Politics · DR Congo

Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila announced a new political-military alliance with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, despite being sentenced to death in absentia for alleged complicity with the group. Kabila, who had previously stopped short of openly backing the insurgency, launched the coalition to replace the AFC-M23 alliance fighting government forces in eastern Congo, taking a more direct role. The move comes as debate grows over constitutional changes ahead of President Felix Tshisekedi's final term ending, deepening uncertainty in a country long destabilized by conflict in its east.

Why it matters：Kabila's alliance with M23 could intensify conflict in eastern Congo and complicate the country's political transition.

Key points

  • Kabila announced a political-military alliance with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels
  • He was sentenced to death in absentia over alleged complicity with the group
  • The coalition replaces the AFC-M23 alliance fighting government forces in eastern Congo

Sources (original reporting)

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