By Imurenge.com, March 31, 2025

A new rebel movement in eastern Congo is stirring concern after its formation by Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal. Lubanga, originally from Ituri province, has announced the creation of the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR), which he claims aims to overthrow the government in the war-torn region. This development adds to the growing security crisis in the area, which has already been destabilized by numerous armed groups and the advance of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.

Lubanga, who made history as the first person convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in 2012, was sentenced to 14 years for his role in recruiting child soldiers. Though he was released in 2020, his involvement with the Congolese government took a drastic turn when he was kidnapped by rebels in 2022. The two months he spent in captivity, which he blames on the government’s negligence, ended with him fleeing to Uganda, where he has now declared his intentions to lead the CPR.

In a written response to Reuters, Lubanga revealed that his movement has both political and military elements, with armed fighters reportedly operating in at least three areas of Ituri. He stressed that the CPR’s mission is to bring about “immediate change” in governance but emphasized that the group has not yet launched any military operations.

The situation in Ituri remains volatile. Despite efforts by the Congolese government and international allies, the region has been plagued by violence for years, particularly from armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia with links to the Islamic State.

Humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, reported a sharp rise in atrocities in the region, with more than 200 civilians killed and approximately 100,000 displaced since the start of 2025 alone.

While the extent of Lubanga’s control over fighters is unclear, U.N. experts have accused him of mobilizing support for various militia groups, including the M23. His new movement could further complicate the delicate balance of power in a region already teetering on the brink of chaos.

Ugandan forces remain present in Ituri, where they are assisting the Congolese army in fighting the ADF. However, the increasing fragmentation of rebel groups and the rise of new factions like Lubanga's CPR only serve to highlight the ongoing challenges facing the Congolese government and the international community in their efforts to restore stability.

With the future of Ituri hanging in the balance, Lubanga’s move to launch the CPR has raised alarms about the further militarization of the region and the growing risk of a broader conflict. The Congolese presidency has not commented on Lubanga’s announcement, leaving many questions about the government’s response to this emerging threat.

The people of Ituri, who have endured years of suffering and displacement, remain the most vulnerable in this escalating crisis. Their hope for peace and stability continues to seem increasingly distant.