DR Congo: President Tshisekedi accuses ex-leader Kabila of lacking rebel insurrection

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has publicly accused former leader and one-time ally Joseph Kabila of orchestrating an insurrection against the government.

Tshisekedi made the explosive allegation during an interview on a private radio station on Tuesday, claiming Kabila is supporting the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a political-military movement.

The accusation comes on the heels of recent U.S. sanctions against the Alliance Fleuve Congo, which Washington alleges is attempting to overthrow the Congolese government and exacerbate conflict in the eastern regions of the country. The M23 militant group, a key component of the alliance, is already under U.S. sanctions.

Tshisekedi did not present evidence to back his claims, making this the first time a Congolese official has directly implicated Kabila in supporting rebel movements. Kabila, who governed the DRC from 2001 until 2018, has yet to respond to the allegations.

The eastern DRC has long been plagued by violence, with over 120 armed groups vying for control of territory, power, and lucrative mineral resources. This new development adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.