Congolese National Liberation Front

Congolese National Liberation Front
Front de libération nationale congolaise
LeadersNathaniel Mbumba
Kapend Elie Kanyimbu
Dates of operation1968–1991 (as an armed group)
HeadquartersLuanda, Angola
IdeologyLumumbism
Marxism-Leninism[1]
Socialism
Political positionLeft-wing
Size1,600–3,000
Allies MPLA
Opponents Zaire
UNITA
Battles and wars
Shaba Province, Zaire.

The Congolese National Liberation Front (French: Front de libération nationale congolaise; FLNC) was a Congolese left-wing armed opposition group and political party that was founded 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.

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.