Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila's Coalition Seizes Towns in South Kivu

The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, a new coalition of rebels led by former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, has seized control of the strategic towns of Kalonge and Bitale in South Kivu Province. This development comes amid renewed fighting across the province. The coalition, launched on October 12, 2026, comprises various rebel groups, including the March 23 Movement.

According to local sources, the coalition's fighters have overrun the area around Masanganjiya and entered Bitale. The town is situated along the axis cutting across Tshivanga, Bulambika, and Hombo, near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Bitale is a strategic location in South Kivu, DR Congo. The coalition's elements are currently in control of the town.

The rebels have also been spotted in Kalonge, a rural community and groupment of villages located in South Kivu Province. Sources report that the coalition's soldiers have been seen in Fendula, specifically at the group leader's house. The Government forces and Wazalendo fighters reportedly withdrew toward Myowe, while troops remained present in Bulambika.

The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation coalition, led by Joseph Kabila, is a politico-military coalition that aims to bring together various rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The coalition comprises three vice-presidents, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga, who was also chief of staff of the Congolese Revolutionary Army.

The developments in South Kivu Province come amid intensified clashes across Kabare, Kalehe, Fizi, Mwenga, and Walungu. The situation in the region remains volatile, with various rebel groups and Government forces engaged in ongoing fighting. The seizure of Kalonge and Bitale towns by the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation coalition is a significant development in the region.

The coalition's launch on October 12, 2026, marked a new chapter in the politico-military landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation coalition replaces the Congo River Alliance and brings together some rebel groups previously united within it. The coalition's goals and objectives remain unclear, but its actions suggest a significant shift in the balance of power in the region.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in South Kivu Province, DR Congo, amid concerns of escalating violence and humanitarian crises. The seizure of strategic towns by the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation coalition has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further conflict.

Key points

• The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation coalition, led by Joseph Kabila, has seized control of Kalonge and Bitale towns in South Kivu Province, DR Congo.