Thomas Lubanga, the controversial founder of the armed movement FRP (Force pour la Révolution Populaire), has issued a bold and defiant call for the overthrow of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi.
Speaking from exile in Kampala, Uganda, during a press conference on Wednesday, Lubanga condemned the Congolese government as corrupt and incompetent, accusations that he claims forced him into exile.
“President Thomas Lubanga, that is, myself, was forced into exile in Kampala due to persecution against me and my fellow fighters for denouncing government corruption and incompetence at both provincial and national levels,” Lubanga declared.
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Lubanga didn’t stop at criticising the Kinshasa regime. He expressed unwavering support for the military coalition AFC/M23 and political opposition forces fighting against Tshisekedi’s rule.
“We welcome and support the cause of AFC/M23, opposition leaders, and all who speak on behalf of the people. The salvation of the DRC lies in the swift removal of Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi,” he stated emphatically.
The press conference comes amidst mounting international concern. A recent United Nations expert report accuses Uganda of harboring Lubanga since July 2024, implying that President Yoweri Museveni’s government may be offering covert support. Lubanga denied these claims outright.
“If the Ugandan state truly supported us, our fighters would already be at the gates of Kinshasa,” Lubanga countered, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
Lubanga, who has led the FRP insurgency in the troubled Ituri province in eastern DRC, now also heads the political party Convention pour la Révolution Populaire (CRP), established on January 10, 2025.
His dual leadership of both a political party and an armed group underlines his commitment to removing Tshisekedi from power, by political or military means.
As regional tensions escalate, Lubanga’s renewed alliance with AFC/M23 and his open rejection of Tshisekedi’s presidency signal a possible resurgence of rebel activity and increased pressure on the Congolese leadership.
The DRC may soon face an intensification of internal conflict with potential regional repercussions.
