Congolese National Liberation Front
The Congolese National Liberation Front (French: Front de libération nationale congolaise, FLNC) is a political party funded by rebels of Katangese origin and composed of ex-members of the Katangese Gendarmerie. It was active mainly in Angola and Zaire during the 1970s.
| Congolese National Liberation Front | |
|---|---|
| Front de libération nationale congolaise | |
| Leaders | Nathaniel Mbumba Kapend Elie Kanyimbu |
| Dates of operation | 1968-1991 (as an armed group) |
| Headquarters | Luanda |
| Ideology | Lumumbism Marxism-Leninism Socialism |
| Political position | Left-wing |
| Size | 1,600–3,000 |
| Allies | MPLA |
| Opponents | Zaire UNITA |
| Battles and wars |
|
The FLNC was formed in Angola under the leadership of Nathaniel Mbumba, with the goal of expelling Mobutu Sese Seko, the leader of Zaire. The FLNC is best known for its two attempted invasions of Katanga Province (renamed Shaba) in Zaire in 1977 and 1978. These incursions, which threatened Mobutu's regime, sparked two international wars, Shaba I and Shaba II, further complicating the Angolan Civil War. The FLNC became a member of the political life of Zaire after the year 1991, and then later a member of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.