The new political-military alliance led by former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has declared its willingness to use force in its campaign against President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
The Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) outlined its position in a six-page political declaration issued on Monday, October 12, following meetings held in Goma on October 10 and 11.
According to the declaration, the alliance intends to unite and coordinate forces opposed to the Congolese government to end what it described as tyranny and establish a new political direction for the country.
The declaration said FRN intended to pursue its objectives “by all means, including force.” It did not announce a specific military offensive or provide a timetable for such action.
In explaining its position, the alliance cited Article 64 of the DRC Constitution, which states that Congolese citizens have a duty to resist individuals or groups that seize power by force or exercise authority in violation of constitutional provisions.
The same article also states that attempts to overthrow the constitutional order constitute offences against the nation and the state, punishable under the law.
FRN cited the constitutional provision while accusing Tshisekedi’s administration of undermining democratic institutions, violating constitutional principles and restricting political freedoms.
The movement alleged that opposition politicians, journalists, human rights activists and military personnel had been subjected to arbitrary arrests, detention and other forms of repression.
It also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity in eastern DRC, accusing Tshisekedi of pursuing military confrontation instead of resolving the conflict through peaceful means.
The signatories further alleged that military operations had resulted in civilian casualties and damage to public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, bridges and markets. These accusations have not been independently verified.
The declaration also accused the Congolese government of failing to honour commitments made during peace negotiations in Doha, particularly those concerning a ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
FRN claimed that the government’s approach to the negotiations had prevented progress towards a lasting settlement.
Beyond security matters, the alliance raised allegations of corruption, mismanagement of public resources and worsening living conditions.
It also accused the government of encouraging ethnic discrimination and social divisions, which it claimed had contributed to displacement and weakened national unity.
The movement described the challenges facing the DRC as political, economic, security-related, institutional, social and humanitarian.
It outlined proposals for rebuilding state institutions, strengthening justice, protecting citizenship rights and ensuring a more equitable distribution of national resources.
The alliance also called for national reconciliation, the return of refugees and political exiles, and greater involvement of provinces in decisions affecting their future.
FRN was established with Kabila as its president, while Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa were appointed vice presidents. Maj Gen Emmanuel Sultani Makenga retained his position as chief of the general staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC), with vice-presidential rank.
The declaration also announced the dissolution of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), naming FRN as its successor without separately specifying the future status of the M23 movement.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10