Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has publicly accused his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, of being a Rwandan proxy. This accusation comes as Kabila has taken a direct role in the insurgency ravaging the DRC's mineral-rich east. Kabila recently joined forces with the Rwanda-backed M23 movement to lead a new group, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN).
The FRN, headed by Kabila, aims to "pool their strengths, resources and means" to "put an end to tyranny". Tshisekedi, in a speech to lawmakers, claimed that Rwanda's President Paul Kagame asked Kabila, his alleged proxy, to take the reins of this offensive. Tshisekedi's address was broadcast on X by the Congolese presidency.
Tshisekedi described Kabila's involvement as a sign of a side that is on the ropes, implying that they were at a loss for solutions. Kabila was condemned to death in absentia a year ago for "complicity" with the M23. The 55-year-old former leader, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, is accused by Congolese authorities of being behind the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the now-dissolved political wing of the M23.
Kabila has denied the allegations. After several years outside the country, Kabila reappeared in May 2025 in the major eastern city of Goma, under M23 control, and has since made regular visits to rebel-held territory. In early 2025, a lightning offensive led by the M23 and the Rwandan army in the eastern DRC resulted in the capture of Goma and Bukavu.
Since then, the front line has stabilised, though at times intense fighting continues, particularly in South Kivu province. Kabila's return to the political scene comes at a volatile time, with opposition rallies in June and September protesting against a proposed constitutional amendment that could pave the way for a third term for 63-year-old Tshisekedi.
Tshisekedi reaches the end of his second and constitutionally last five-year term in 2028. The international community has reacted to Kabila's launch of the FRN, with Belgium condemning it as "deplorable". A new UN report has also linked Joseph Kabila more closely to AFC/M23.
The situation in the DRC remains complex, with ongoing fighting and political tensions. The country's eastern region continues to be a hotspot of conflict, with various groups vying for control. The involvement of regional and international players has further complicated the situation, making a peaceful resolution challenging.
Key points
- Kabila's involvement with the M23 and FRN has raised concerns about his alleged ties to Rwanda.
- Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of being a Rwandan proxy, further escalating tensions.
- The conflict in the DRC's east continues to destabilize the region, with international implications.
