A new political-military alliance known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) has been announced as the successor to AFC/M23, with former DRC President Joseph Kabila and ARC military commander Maj Gen Sultani Makenga among its leaders.
The alliance announced its formation in Goma, North Kivu Province, on Monday, October 12, according to a statement published on the official X account of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC).
The statement named Joseph Kabila Kabange as president of the new alliance, assisted by three vice presidents: Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Maj Gen Sultani Makenga.
Makenga will also retain his position as chief of the general staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC).
According to the announcement, FRN replaces AFC, a coalition of political and armed groups opposed to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kabila served as President of the DRC from 2001 to 2019, when Félix Antoine Tshisekedi succeeded him following the presidential election held in December 2018.
Makenga has been among the senior military commanders of AFC/M23, while Nangaa and Bisimwa have held leading positions in the coalition’s political leadership.
The announcement follows earlier indications that the coalition could undergo major leadership changes.
In a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council in June 2026, the UN Group of Experts on the DRC reported that a restructuring of AFC/M23 was being considered, including a possible change of name and a prominent leadership role for Kabila.
The experts also reported that Kabila had frequently visited territories controlled by AFC/M23 since May 2025 and held meetings with senior officials of the movement.
The formation of FRN was announced days after Kabila addressed the Congolese people, criticising President Tshisekedi’s administration over its handling of the country’s political and security challenges.
During the address on Friday, October 9, the former president accused the government of failing to resolve the problems facing the DRC and questioned its approach to the conflict in the eastern part of the country.
Kabila also said he would soon present his proposals for addressing the country’s challenges, calling for action to respond to what he described as a worsening national crisis.
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