- A young woman named Chibalonza has married an 88-year-old man, Alphonse, in the DRC.
- The couple has been together for two years despite a wide age gap.
- They are expecting a child and planning a bigger wedding later this year.
- Their relationship has drawn criticism from family and the public, but they remain committed.
A marriage between a 22-year-old woman and an 88-year-old man in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked intense public discussion. Chibalonza, the young bride, recently tied the knot with Alphonse, a widower and father of seven. Their union, marked by a 66-year age difference, has drawn both curiosity and criticism.
Speaking in an interview with Afrimax English, Chibalonza said her decision was driven by love, not age. She described Alphonse as her ideal partner and said she is fully committed to spending her life with him. According to her, their relationship has been strong for two years, and the age gap has not affected their bond.
Alphonse married Chibalonza after losing his first wife. Some of his children are older than his new wife, a fact that has raised eyebrows in the community. Despite this, the couple insists they share mutual respect and understanding, saying their connection goes beyond family expectations.
The couple has also revealed that they are expecting their first child together. Alphonse admitted he worries about whether he will live long enough to see the child grow up due to his age. Even so, both say they are focused on supporting each other and preparing for parenthood.
Not everyone has welcomed the marriage. Alphonse’s children are said to be unhappy with the relationship, and public reaction has been largely negative. On top of social pressure, the couple is also dealing with financial difficulties, as neither is currently employed.
Despite the challenges, Chibalonza and Alphonse say they remain hopeful. They plan to hold a larger wedding later this year. Alphonse is also reportedly looking into acquiring land to secure his wife’s future and protect her from mistreatment after his death.
Their story has reignited conversations about love, age, and social norms, showing that relationships can take unexpected paths despite public opinion and personal struggles.
