Belgium has condemned former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila’s launch of a new political-military movement, describing the move as “deplorable, incomprehensible and unacceptable”.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, said on Wednesday that political grievances should be addressed through dialogue rather than violence.
His remarks came 10 days after Kabila unveiled the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) at a press conference in eastern DRC, according to Africanews.
The movement brings together key figures from the M23 rebel forces and positions itself against the government in Kinshasa.
Read more: Kabila named leader of new DR Congo rebel coalition
The FRN says its main objective is to end what it calls tyranny and has indicated its readiness to use all available means, including force, to achieve its goals.
“No one can claim to be acting in the interest of their people while using violence as a tool for political action and attacking the institutions of their own country,” Prévot said.
He called for dialogue to resolve the crisis in the DRC and urged all parties to preserve progress made under the Doha and Washington accords.
Prévot also stressed the importance of respecting the ceasefire and ensuring the protection of civilians amid continued instability in the country.
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.
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