The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), led by former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, has pledged to uphold commitments made by the dissolved Congo River Alliance (AFC), including those arising from peace negotiations with the Congolese government in Doha.
In a statement issued in Goma on Wednesday, October 14, the FRN confirmed that it had replaced the AFC following the establishment of the new political-military coalition on October 12.
The statement, signed by FRN Secretary-General and Executive Coordinator Prof Freddy R. Kaniki said the new coalition had assumed all the rights, obligations and commitments previously held by the AFC.
The declaration clarified the coalition’s position on agreements reached during negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23, following the dissolution of the AFC and the establishment of a new leadership structure.
According to the FRN, the organisational changes would not affect the commitments undertaken by the former alliance, particularly those connected to the Qatar-mediated peace process.
The announcement followed the signing of a framework peace agreement between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 in Doha on November 15, 2025.
The agreement established a basis for further negotiations aimed at addressing the conflict in eastern DRC, including arrangements for security, humanitarian assistance and national reconciliation.
It followed earlier discussions between the two sides, including the signing of a declaration of principles in July 2025.
Although the framework represented progress in the negotiations, additional agreements and implementation measures remained necessary to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement.
The FRN’s latest declaration came shortly after former President Joseph Kabila was named leader of the new coalition, bringing together several prominent political and military figures previously associated with AFC/M23.
Among those appointed to senior positions were Corneille Nangaa, the former AFC coordinator, and Bertrand Bisimwa, both named vice-presidents of the new coalition.
Major General Sultani Makenga, the military commander of M23, was appointed chief of staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC), with a rank equivalent to that of vice-president.
The new leadership structure placed Kabila at the head of a coalition comprising political and military figures opposed to the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
During its formation, the FRN presented itself as a movement seeking political and institutional changes in the DRC. Its founders said they intended to pursue their objectives through various means, including military action.
The establishment of the coalition marked a significant restructuring of the former AFC/M23 leadership at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern Congo were continuing.
The Doha peace process has remained an important part of those efforts, with Qatar facilitating negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23.
During further discussions held in Switzerland in August 2026, representatives of the two sides agreed on a roadmap for negotiating outstanding protocols and implementing existing commitments.
Those efforts included measures to strengthen ceasefire monitoring, address humanitarian concerns and advance the implementation of agreements already reached between the parties.
The continuation of these negotiations forms part of wider regional and international efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC, where years of armed conflict have displaced large numbers of civilians and disrupted economic and social activities.
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