Brigadier General François Kamanzi, a senior officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo's army (FARDC), has defected to the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a new alliance led by former President Joseph Kabila. Kamanzi, who was in charge of military operations in the 12th Military Region in Central Congo, crossed into the FRN through the Lufu border in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Luvu in Angola.
The defection was announced by Willy Manzi, the Deputy Governor of North Kivu province, who was appointed by the former alliance of AFC/M23. Manzi revealed on social media platform X that Kamanzi had joined the FRN's military wing, known as the Lions de Sarambwe. Manzi's statement was corroborated by Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the FRN, who confirmed Kamanzi's defection and cited his dissatisfaction with the Kinshasa government's actions.
According to Kanyuka, Kamanzi's decision to defect was motivated by the government's alleged daily attacks on civilians. The FRN, which was launched on October 12, 2023, is a new alliance that aims to bring together various groups and individuals opposed to the current government. Kabila, who ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019, was succeeded by Felix Tshisekedi and has since maintained a low profile.
The FRN's leadership structure includes Kabila as its president, with Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Major General Sultani Makenga as its three vice presidents. Makenga also serves as the chief of staff of the FRN's military wing, the Alliance pour la Refondation du Congo (ARC). The FRN's emergence has sparked interest among Congolese politicians and military personnel.
Kanyuka also revealed that two other senior military officers have joined Kamanzi in defecting to the FRN, and that their names would be announced in the coming days. The FRN has called on other FARDC soldiers and Congolese citizens to join the alliance, which it claims is the only hope for Congo's future.
The defection of Brigadier General Kamanzi and other senior military officers is a significant blow to the FARDC, which has been struggling to contain various armed groups in eastern Congo. The FRN's ability to attract high-ranking military personnel has raised questions about its potential impact on Congo's politics and security landscape.
The situation in Congo remains volatile, with various armed groups and militias operating in the country. The FRN's emergence and the defection of senior military officers are likely to have significant implications for Congo's future.
Key points
- Brigadier General François Kamanzi, a senior Congolese army officer, has defected to the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a new alliance led by former President Joseph Kabila.
- The defection was announced by Willy Manzi, the Deputy Governor of North Kivu province, and Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the FRN.
- The FRN, launched on October 12, 2023, aims to bring together various groups and individuals opposed to the current government.
