Kabila emerges as rebel alliance leader seeking to oust Tshisekedi

Joseph Kabila, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s former president, has emerged as leader of a new rebel alliance that includes M23, the group whose advances he opposed while in office. He now seeks to topple President Félix Tshisekedi, the man he handed power to after 18 years as president and later joined in a coalition, highlighting the country’s shifting political alliances.

Kabila’s move could give M23 the experience and political networks of a former head of state, while offering him a possible route back to influence. But it is unclear whether the alliance can gain broad support or extend the fighting beyond eastern provinces, about 1,500km from Kinshasa. Kabila faces a death sentence in absentia for treason and US sanctions over alleged support for M23; he has compared Tshisekedi to former ruler Mobutu.