Ibalanky Signals Willingness to Work with AFC/M23 After Years of Serving Tshisekedi

Kinshasa, January 31, 2026 - Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba, a senior Congolese politician who previously worked closely with President Félix Tshisekedi, has announced his willingness to collaborate with the AFC/M23 alliance, marking a significant political shift. Ibalanky was appointed by Tshisekedi as coordinator of the body monitoring the implementation of the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement, a key framework for restoring stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2023, he was also named the country’s special ambassador. After nearly a year outside the country, Ibalanky resurfaced in Goma on January 31, 2025, where he was seen alongside senior AFC/M23 leaders, including Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa. He stated that he has not formally joined the AFC/M23 but traveled to Goma to hold consultations with its leadership on how dialogue could help restore peace. Ibalanky emphasized that he does not intend to oppose President Tshisekedi, but rather seeks to serve as an advisor to the alliance, pending approval from its leader, Corneille Nangaa. “I came to consult. I have not betrayed anyone; I am only on one side, which is Congo,” Ibalanky said. “If they accept my help and show me how we can work together, I will consider it. What matters is not being in Goma or Kinshasa, but working for peace.” In 2023, Ibalanky founded the REPOP political party, which initially supported Tshisekedi’s bid for a second term. However, in January 2024, the party announced it would not recognize the election results, signaling a break with the ruling camp.