Belgium has condemned the launch of a new political-military movement by former Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, describing it as “deplorable, incomprehensible and unacceptable” amid ongoing insecurity in the country.
Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, made the remarks on Wednesday, ten days after Kabila unveiled the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) in eastern DRC.
The movement brings together key figures from the M23 rebel group and positions itself in opposition to the government in Kinshasa.
The FRN said its primary mission was to “end tyranny” and declared its readiness to use all available means, including force, to achieve its objectives.
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Prévot criticised the use of violence for political purposes, arguing that no one could claim to act in the people’s interest while attacking their country’s institutions.
He called for dialogue to address the crises in the DRC and urged all parties to preserve progress made under the Doha and Washington accords.
The Belgian Foreign Minister also stressed the need to respect the ceasefire and guarantee the protection of civilians.
Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia by a Congolese court last year on charges including treason and war crimes.
The former President has denied links to the M23 rebels and Rwanda, describing the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated.
Africanews
