SUMMARY

The Forces of Paul Joseph Mukungubila sought to overthrow President Joseph Kabila of the DR Congo (Zaire) in 2013. Its members drew from the followers of Paul Joseph Mukungubila, who founded and led the politico-religious movement, “Ministère de la restauration à partir de l'Afrique noire/Ministry of Restoration from Black Africa”.

Based on Bible scriptures from the New Testament, the politico-religious movement had its headquarters in Lubumbashi, southern Katanga province. Reportedly, it was established in 1977 and had 1200 followers in DR Congo (Zaire). Armed violence between Government of DR Congo - Forces of Joseph Mukungubila broke out when followers in several urban locations including Kinshasa, Kindu, Kisangani and Lubumbashi rose up.

Paul Joseph Mukungubila Mutombo, also known as Gideon Mukungubila, was a Baluba from northern Katanga Province. Hence, he was part of the Balubakat community. However, Mukungubila lived in the southern city of Lubumbashi, where he served as a Pastor for his politico-religious movement and claimed to be the “Prophet of the Eternal”. Some news outlets reported that Mukungubila was a former soldier, although this was unclear. In 2006, Mukungubila ran as a candidate in the presidential elections but he was one of 32 candidates, who did not progress to the second round. Nonetheless, Mukungubila preached against President Kabila, whom he believed was a puppet of the Rwandan government despite also being a member of the Balubakat community. After the armed conflict in 2013, Mukungubila fled to South Africa in exile. Despite being arrested and investigated, Mukungubila successfully received asylum in 2017.