Kabila takes leadership of renamed DR Congo rebel coalition

Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has taken leadership of the rebel alliance operating in the country’s east, Reuters reported on 16 October. The AFC/M23 alliance has adopted the name Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN, signalling ambitions beyond its eastern strongholds. Kabila governed Congo from 2001 to 2019. His appointment brings political prominence to the movement, although its ability to attract wider support remains uncertain. The coalition says it will honour commitments made through Qatar-mediated peace negotiations.