Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba, a Congolese political figure known to be close to President Félix Tshisekedi, appeared in Goma alongside Corneille Nangaa on Saturday, January 31.
Having been absent from the DRC for about a year, Claude Ibalanky claims to have made an offer to Corneille Nangaa and says he is awaiting his response.
“I have not yet joined the AFC/M23,” he declared from Goma. “I came with the intention of making contact… I am trying to stop the bleeding. Peace comes through dialogue,” he added.
Presenting himself as a man of peace, he indicated that he was “seeking peace” and acknowledged “a profound rift” that had developed with President Félix Tshisekedi. Claude Ibalanky also stated that he might intervene as an “external consultant” to the AFC/M23, pending a response from Corneille Nangaa.
Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba was the coordinator of the National Monitoring Mechanism of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement (MNS), a body responsible for monitoring regional commitments to peace and security in eastern DRC.
On May 23, 2023, he was appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the President of the Republic by presidential decree, a position attached to the Presidency.
On June 12, 2023, he launched the political coalition Réveil Populaire (REPOP), created for the December 2023 general elections and declaring its support for a second term for Félix Tshisekedi. On January 19, 2024, this coalition contested the results of the legislative elections published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
