Following a high-level meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) concluded its visit to Bujumbura on July 9, 2026, with a clear message to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The coalition’s leadership, including prominent figures like Martin Fayulu, moved swiftly to dispel rumors suggesting they had compromised their stance for closer ties with President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. They clarified that the meeting was initiated by Ndayishimiye in his capacity as the current chair of the African Union, emphasizing that no formal request was made by the C64 delegation.
demanding fundamental concessions before engaging in dialogue
The coalition’s representatives underscored that any meaningful political dialogue must begin with decisive action. Their conditions include a public and irreversible abandonment of the constitutional amendment project, the immediate release of all political prisoners, the cessation of politically motivated prosecutions, and the restoration of public freedoms. These demands reflect their belief that previous peace processes failed because they overlooked the DRC’s core political challenges.
non-negotiable principles for the future of the Congo
The C64 leadership stressed that certain principles are non-negotiable, including the inviolability of the Constitution, the supremacy of the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the Congolese people. They argued that the current crisis stems from a persistent neglect of these fundamental pillars, which have been systematically eroded in recent years.
At the heart of their concerns is President Tshisekedi’s controversial constitutional reform initiative, which they view as a major destabilizing factor in a country already grappling with war and territorial occupation. The coalition has vowed to oppose this revision vigorously while advocating for the restoration of institutional integrity.
a march for change on july 22
The C64 leaders announced their intention to take their demands to the streets on July 22, when they plan to lead a peaceful march toward the Palais de la Nation. Their ultimate goal: to demand the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of violating his constitutional oath. The coalition’s resolve signals a critical moment in the DRC’s political landscape, with growing public frustration over unaddressed governance failures.
