Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has unveiled a political and military alliance that includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, raising concerns about further escalation in the country’s eastern conflict. Kabila announced the alliance, named the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), at his residence in Goma, a city M23 has held since January 2025. He will lead the coalition with rebel leaders serving as deputies. According to a coalition adviser, the group aims to unite resistance forces against what it calls tyranny, by force if necessary. Meanwhile, analysts warn that Kabila’s involvement could result in an escalation as well as defection within the Congolese military. They also warn that the move could derail efforts to negotiate a settlement.