Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba, who previously served as the coordinator of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Addis Ababa peace agreement aimed at restoring peace in the country, has strongly criticized President Félix Tshisekedi, describing him as a “bloodthirsty leader.”
This politician used to be among President Tshisekedi’s close allies, which led to him being entrusted with several high-level responsibilities, including overseeing the implementation of peace agreements and serving as the DRC’s special ambassador and presidential envoy.
It later became evident that Ibalanky was no longer working with Tshisekedi in January, when he met leaders of the AFC/M23 coalition in Goma and expressed willingness to cooperate with them in advisory roles. He also appeared among experts who accompanied the coalition’s delegation to peace talks held in Montreux, Switzerland, in April 2026.
On June 14, Ibalanky stated on the social media platform X that he described Tshisekedi as a “great but toothless lion,” accusing him of relying on security forces, ethnic division, money, corruption, embezzlement, and other abuses to oppress citizens.
He said:
“In military terms, the AFC/M23’s ARC has already defeated him. He is losing every battle. His scattered forces claim that their retreat is a tactical maneuver. He relies on armed groups of both nationals and foreigners such as the FDLR, and even mercenaries, in order to hide his weaknesses.”
Ibalanky stated that Tshisekedi’s poor diplomatic image is becoming increasingly visible, with even those who previously supported him now realizing they were dealing with a political fraud, following the violent crackdown on protesters on June 12, 2026, who were opposing a plan to amend the Constitution.
He added:
“He has now been exposed. The king has no clothes left. He is naked, and his hands are full of blood. But a house built on sand will collapse soon.”
Ibalanky stated that as the regime collapses, Tshisekedi will do everything possible—try everything, promise everything to the population, and offer anything—while struggling to survive politically, but that none of it will succeed because of the many wrongs he has committed that prevent him from recovering.
He said: “He will keep making one mistake after another until everything about him comes to a complete end.”
Following protests in which some demonstrators were killed and others injured, Ibalanky also criticized Tshisekedi and his wife, Denise Nyakeru, saying that no leader should be celebrating a birthday while citizens are in mourning.
Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba has held important positions and carried out significant responsibilities within President Tshisekedi’s government.
