Congo's former President Kabila launches an anti-government front including M23 rebels

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila on Monday launched a new political and military coalition of groups opposed to the current government, including the M23 rebels who have captured wide swaths of territory in eastern Congo.

Kabila's new Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN, includes rebel groups formerly united under the Congo River Alliance, whose former leader Corneille Nangaa will serve as one of the new coalition's four vice presidents.

Coalition adviser Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila's residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN's mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic. It aims to “unite and coordinate all resistance forces in order to put an end to tyranny — by any means necessary, including the use of force,” Ibalanky said.

“The signatories have decided to pool their forces, resources, and means to create a framework for action through which all Congolese people, acting in unison, will undertake the task of liberating their country,” Ibalanky said.

President Felix Tshisekedi's government gave no immediate reaction to the announcement, which is seen as a major challenge to Tshisekedi's administration and a serious complication for the current peace process with rebels, which has had only limited success.

M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, along the border with Rwanda, in a decades-long conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. It took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, as well as other key cities in eastern Congo in a lightning assault last year.

Congo, the United States and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing the M23.

Last year, a high military court in Congo sentenced Kabila to death in absentia after finding him guilty of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The court said he collaborated with Rwanda and M23. The former president denied the accusations and called the proceedings politically motivated.

Earlier this year, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on Kabila for his alleged role in funding and providing political support to rebel groups operating in the east of his country.

Kabila led Congo from 2001 to 2019. He took office at the age of 29 — after his father and former President Laurent Kabila was assassinated — and extended his mandate by delaying elections for two years after his term ended in 2017. His candidate lost in December 2018 to Kabila’s long-term political rival, Tshisekedi, who has ruled the country since 2019.

Yvon Muya, a researcher at the University of Ottawa in Canada, said Monday's announcement signals a direct confrontation between Kabila and Tshisekedi.

“You don’t make an announcement like this without having prepared the actions that follow,” Muya said. “We will likely witness an escalation on the military front.”

Under pressure from the United States, the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels began direct negotiations in Doha to resolve the security crisis. However, more than a year later, clashes continue in eastern Congo, and experts say that negotiations will become even more complicated with Kabila in a leadership position.

“The AFC/M23 leaders have been integrated into a new formation. So, it is hard to see — even from a purely practical standpoint — how the Doha process will work,” Muya told the AP. “All of this risks jeopardizing the ongoing process.”

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Mwanamilongo reported from Bonn, Germany.

Joseph Kabila, center, former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the announcement of the creation of the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, in Goma, eastern Congo, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the announcement of the creation of the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, in Goma, eastern Congo, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the announcement of the creation of the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, in Goma, eastern Congo, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

One of the most memorable special teams performances in Jacksonville Jaguars history belongs to a 335-pound defensive tackle.

DaVon Hamilton stepped in for All-Pro long snapper Ross Matiscik on Sunday and delivered his best snap of the game on the final play, leading to Cam Little’s 57-yard field goal that gave Jacksonville a 19-17 victory against Philadelphia in London.

“He put it right on the button,” coach Liam Coen said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, man, here we go.’ Competitive greatness. Being at your best when your best is required.”

Hamilton was the unsung hero of an unlikely victory.

Matiscik injured his left shoulder early in the game, and the Jaguars turned to Hamilton, who practices snapping a few times every week. Hamilton snapped eight times against the Eagles — four punts, two extra points and two field goals.

Three of them were high, forcing 6-foot-5 punter Logan Cooke to make some impressive grabs and leading to one missed extra point. But Hamilton was money when it mattered most.

“Stepping up for your team and helping them win games, it’s a big moment,” Hamilton said. “Whatever I can do I’ll do it to help my team win games.”

Hamilton called it a fun experience and added that he’ll be fine if he never has to do it again.

The Jaguars (4-1) flew in veteran long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer on Monday to replace Matiscik before Sunday’s game against Houston (1-4) at iconic Wembley Stadium. Bobenmoyer previously played for Las Vegas (2023-25) and Denver (2020-22).

“We’ll get somebody in here to be able to come in and immediately get those op times better and get the operation cleaner,” Coen said.

Hamilton, though, will be on standby.

A third-round draft pick in 2020, Hamilton stepped in for Matiscik last year at Tennessee but didn’t face nearly the same kind of pressure as he did against Philadelphia. The Jaguars beat the Titans comfortably, 25-3.

Jacksonville’s run defense is the best in the NFL. The Jaguars allowed 22 yards on the ground against Philadelphia a week after giving up 25 at Cincinnati. It marked the seventh time in the Super Bowl era that a team surrendered 25 yards or fewer in consecutive games and the first since Baltimore in 2019.

The Jaguars also became the second team in the Super Bowl era to not allow an opposing player to rush for 40 or more yards in its first five games, joining the 1969 Dallas Cowboys.

Penalties were a problem for the second consecutive week. The Jaguars were flagged 13 times for 100 yards against the Eagles, giving them 26 penalties for 225 yards over the last two games. They also had two offsetting penalties on the opening kickoff, which nullified a 90-yard touchdown and ended up with backup linebacker Bryan Thomas Jr. getting ejected.

Parker Washington bounced back from his worst game in more than a year with one of the best of his career. Washington caught six passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. He finished with the second-most yards in his four NFL seasons.

Washington scored on a 51-yard catch and run in the first quarter and made a diving catch in the end zone with 3:26 to play that sparked Jacksonville’s comeback.

He has seven TDs in his past nine games, raising his value amid contract negotiations.

Jacksonville’s offensive line had its hands full trying to block Jalen Carter, who finished with two sacks and two forced fumbles. The unit also was flagged three times for holding – all on rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon – and called for two false starts. Throw in four delay-of-game penalties, including one in which Lawrence expressed frustration with center Robert Hainsey, and it was a mostly forgettable afternoon for the position group.

Left tackle Anton Harrison had tests Monday on his injured right knee, and Coen said he’s “a little stiff.”

“We’ll have to be patient with if he’s not able to practice what that looks like and go from there,” Coen added. “We’ll have to see what the MRI looks like. We’re at the mercy of it right now.”

26 — Number of points Jacksonville allowed in the fourth quarter at Houston last year, resulting in a 36-29 loss. There’s little doubt it will come up this week.

Jaguars will try to beat Houston for just the fourth time in their past 17 meetings.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Davon Hamilton (52) walks the sideline during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)