Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal and former leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC), has announced the formation of a new rebel movement, the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR), in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ituri province.
Lubanga, who was convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2012 for recruiting child soldiers and sentenced to 14 years in prison, was released in 2020. Following his release, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed him to a peace task force in Ituri. However, after being held hostage by a rebel group in 2022—a situation he attributes to the government—Lubanga relocated to Uganda. citeturn0news11
In written responses to Reuters, Lubanga stated that the CPR comprises both political and military components, with armed elements present in three areas of Ituri. He emphasized that achieving peace in the region necessitates “an immediate change in governance and government,” though he noted that the group has not yet initiated military operations. 
The emergence of the CPR adds complexity to the already volatile situation in eastern Congo. The Congolese army is currently contending with advances by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, and the region has been plagued by violence from various armed groups for decades. Recent reports indicate a surge in atrocities, with over 200 civilians killed and approximately 100,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year.
The DRC’s presidency has not responded to requests for comment on Lubanga’s announcement. As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of the potential implications for stability and humanitarian conditions in the region.
The formation of the CPR by a figure with Lubanga’s history underscores the persistent challenges in achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of conflict, promote effective governance, and ensure accountability for past and ongoing violations.
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