Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila and current President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in secret talks before Kabila formed a new political and military alliance, FRN. According to Africa Intelligence, Kabila sought to negotiate with Tshisekedi over an arrest warrant issued against him. The talks, facilitated by Kabila's former security advisor Jean Mbuyu Luyongola and Tshisekedi's advisor Fortunat Biselele, lasted nearly two hours at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa.
The arrest warrant, issued by the Military Court of the DR Congo on September 30, 2025, accused Kabila of crimes including plotting against the state, joining an unauthorized armed group, and war crimes. Tshisekedi reportedly expressed willingness to discuss the warrant but made firm demands in return. These demands included Kabila's withdrawal from the city of Goma, which is controlled by his new alliance, FRN, and a condemnation of Rwanda.
Kabila allegedly refused to immediately accept Tshisekedi's demands, requesting that all conditions and potential benefits be put in writing. No written agreement was reached, and no public document was released indicating a compromise between the two parties. Following the talks, Kabila reappeared in Goma, and on October 12, 2026, he was announced as the leader of FRN.
The formation of FRN, with Kabila at its helm, was seen as a direct challenge to Tshisekedi's authority. FRN replaced the AFC/M23 coalition, with Kabila flanked by prominent allies, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and General Major Sultani Makenga. This move further strained relations between Kabila and Tshisekedi.
Despite the tensions, there is no public evidence that Tshisekedi agreed to lift the arrest warrant in exchange for Kabila's cooperation. No written agreement has been made public regarding Kabila's alleged commitment to condemn Rwanda or sever ties with armed groups opposing the Kinshasa government.
The negotiations between Kabila and Tshisekedi took place amid heightened tensions over the future of DR Congo. The two leaders have a complex history, with Kabila's departure from office in 2019 marking a significant shift in the country's politics. Tshisekedi's presidency has been characterized by efforts to consolidate power and address long-standing security challenges.
The situation remains fluid, with Kabila's FRN alliance posing a significant challenge to Tshisekedi's authority. The international community is closely watching developments in DR Congo, where ongoing security concerns and political tensions threaten to destabilize the region. The outcome of the talks between Kabila and Tshisekedi will likely have far-reaching implications for the country's future.
Key points
- Kabila and Tshisekedi held secret talks over the former's arrest warrant and potential cooperation.
- Tshisekedi made firm demands, including Kabila's withdrawal from Goma and a condemnation of Rwanda.
- No written agreement was reached, and Kabila's FRN alliance poses a significant challenge to Tshisekedi's authority.
