Lubanga vows to topple Tshisekedi’s Government, Backs AFC-M23 Coalition
Thomas Lubanga, leader of the armed group Force pour la Révolution Populaire (FRP), has reaffirmed his commitment to overthrowing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking to journalists in Kampala on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, Lubanga explained that he was forced to flee to Uganda due to political persecution by Congolese authorities. He accused the DRC government of corruption and incompetence at both provincial and national levels.
“President Thomas Lubanga – myself – was forced into exile in Kampala due to the persecution we faced for condemning corruption and the inefficiency of the government,” he said.
Lubanga stated that President Tshisekedi’s administration must be removed urgently, expressing strong support for the AFC/M23 rebel coalition and opposition politicians fighting the Kinshasa government.
“We appreciate and support the cause of AFC/M23, opposition politicians, and voices of the people. The salvation of the DRC lies in the urgent removal of Mr. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi,” Lubanga declared.
A recent United Nations expert report confirmed that Uganda has been hosting Lubanga since July 2024, alleging that he receives support from President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. Lubanga dismissed the report’s claims as false.
“If Uganda was supporting me as they claim, my fighters would already be at the gates of Kinshasa,” he said.
Lubanga founded the CRP (Convention pour la Révolution Populaire) party alongside the FRP rebel group on January 10, 2025, with the explicit goal of toppling Tshisekedi’s government. His fighters are primarily active in Ituri Province, eastern DRC.
