Kabila forms new Congo rebel coalition with 4 M23-linked deputies
Why it matters: The move ties the former president more directly to eastern Congo's insurgency after his treason conviction in absentia.
Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has taken charge of a new political-military coalition, the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation, in a step that more openly links him to the rebellion in the country's east. The group was presented in Goma, a city held by M23, with Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Freddy Kaniki and M23 commander Sultani Makenga named as Kabila's deputies. Kabila had long denied ties to AFC-M23, though Congolese authorities accused him of backing the alliance. He was later convicted in absentia of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he rejects as politically motivated. The U.N. and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation Kigali denies.