Acidic Security

  During the same discussion with the Congolese diaspora in Russia on October 30, Félix Tshisekedi described the issue of the FDLR as a "pretext" used by Rwanda, noting that these fighters are now aging. The head of state asserts that, at the insistent request of the Americans, Kinshasa began gathering them at Kitona, pending their transfer to host countries or their voluntary return to Rwanda. He claims that an African head of state—whom he did not name—had agreed to host some of them, only for the Rwandan president to approach him, issue threats, and forbid him from assisting the DRC. Furthermore, Félix Tshisekedi accuses his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, of having dismantled the country’s security and defense system. TSHISEKEDI CLAIMS THAT BANYAMULENGE WERE KILLED BY RED-TABARA, NOT BY THE WAZALENDO Speaking to the Congolese diaspora in Russia, Félix Tshisekedi asserted that the Banyamulenge killed during violence in the eastern DRC were not victims of the Wazalendo, but rat...

  On Saturday, October 31, 2026, members of the community of natives from Maniema Province publicly announced their support for the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), led by Joseph Kabila. In their statement, the signatories denounce the deterioration of socioeconomic conditions in their province, the challenges stemming from the poor state of road infrastructure, and political divisions within the province. They also accuse the authorities in Kinshasa of marginalizing Maniema—though these accusations remain to be independently verified. Furthermore, they call for unity among the people of Maniema and advocate for peaceful resistance. They also invite the Congolese population to support their initiative in favor of the FRN. The mobilization surrounding the FRN thus appears to be spreading to new communities.

Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa have reaffirmed their determination to capture Uvira, Kalemie, Kindu, Bunia, and Kisangani before the end of 2026. According to them, the forces of their movement—which they claim is led by Joseph Kabila—are committed to achieving this objective. Yet, beyond these declarations, a fundamental question arises: what military and logistical capabilities underpin such an ambitious goal within such a short timeframe? Seizing five major cities is not a matter of mere rhetoric; it requires substantial resources and a concrete military presence on the ground. The question therefore remains: will they truly succeed in taking all these cities by December 31, 2026?