The international community has expressed concern over the recent creation of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a movement led by former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila. On October 30, 2026, the French embassy in DRC released a joint statement signed by ten countries, including the United States and France, as well as the European Union. The statement condemned the FRN's advocacy for armed violence to achieve political goals.
The FRN was announced on October 12, 2026, in Goma, and had previously absorbed the Alliance of Democratic Forces and the March 23 Movement (AFC/M23). The Group of International Contact for the Great Lakes Region (GCI), led by France, has taken a strong stance against the FRN. The GCI emphasized that pursuing political objectives through violence is unacceptable and called for a peaceful and inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the country.
The GCI's statement also highlighted the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, where clashes continue despite previous agreements. The group urged parties to respect the ceasefire commitments made in Doha on July 19, 2025. Furthermore, they expressed concern over the increasing use of drones, which poses a significant threat to civilians and humanitarian workers. This is particularly worrying given the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
The humanitarian situation in DRC remains dire, with the GCI calling on all parties and armed groups to ensure that humanitarian actors have safe and unhindered access to populations in need. The FRN's actions have raised concerns among the international community, with many fearing that the situation could escalate into a full-blown conflict. The GCI's statement emphasized that divergences and claims cannot be resolved through military means.
Joseph Kabila, 55, is himself a wanted individual, having been sentenced to death in absentia by the Kinshasa High Military Court on September 30, 2025, for treason and war crimes. The international community's condemnation of the FRN's actions is seen as a significant development in the region. The situation in DRC remains volatile, with many stakeholders calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
The joint statement by the ten countries and the EU is seen as a strong message to the FRN and its supporters. The international community is urging all parties to engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue to address the country's challenges. The GCI's statement emphasized that a lasting peace in DRC can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement.
The situation in DRC continues to be closely monitored by the international community, with many stakeholders calling for calm and restraint. The condemnation of the FRN's actions by the US, EU, and other countries is seen as a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Key points
- The international community has condemned the FRN's advocacy for armed violence to achieve political goals in DRC.
- The GCI has called for a peaceful and inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue to achieve lasting peace in DRC.
- Joseph Kabila is wanted for treason and war crimes, having been sentenced to death in absentia by the Kinshasa High Military Court.
