Joseph Kabila launches new coalition linked to eastern Congo insurgency

Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has launched a new political-military coalition called the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation, or FRN.

The group is intended to replace the AFC-M23 alliance, which is fighting government forces in eastern Congo.

Kabila will lead the coalition, with rebel leaders Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Freddy Kaniki and Sultani Makenga as deputies.

Authorities have accused Kabila of supporting AFC-M23 for months, but he had denied involvement before taking this more direct role.

AFC-M23 captured large areas in an offensive last year, as the conflict continued to challenge the Congolese government.

The United Nations and Western governments accuse Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda denies supporting the insurgency.

Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia by a military court over allegations he supported the rebellion; he denies the accusations and says the case was politically motivated.