The Coalition Article 64 (C64) has officially announced the postponement of its planned peaceful march scheduled for July 22 in Kinshasa. In a press statement released on Monday, July 20, the coalition cited recent developments as the reason for the delay.
Dialogue awaited: a strategic pause
The decision follows a joint appeal from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the ECC-CENCO, urging the opposition coalition to embrace dialogue. The religious leaders, represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend André Bokundoa, called for a constructive approach to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
In response, the Congolese government announced its willingness to organize an inclusive, peaceful, and republican national dialogue—one that respects the constitution and existing institutions. C64 acknowledged this gesture, describing the postponement as a “responsible move” rather than a retreat from its constitutional mission.
Uncompromising stance on constitutional order
The coalition, led by prominent figures such as Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD), and Delly Sesanga (Envol), reiterated its opposition to any attempt to undermine the country’s constitutional framework. The group emphasized that Articles 70 and 220 of the constitution explicitly bar leaders from serving more than two terms—a principle C64 vows to defend.
A conditional ultimatum
While granting the government a grace period, C64 set clear conditions:
- Immediate convocation of a national inclusive dialogue to address key issues, including:
- External aggression and insecurity in the eastern DRC
- Governance crises
- Economic and social hardships
- Necessary reforms for national reunification and peace consolidation
- Implementation of confidence-building measures to reassure all stakeholders.
The coalition warned that the government’s next steps would determine the path forward. Any provocative actions—particularly the pursuit of constitutional amendments or a referendum law—would be met with a firm response. C64 stressed that the responsibility now lies entirely with President Félix Tshisekedi and his administration.
Deadline and consequences
C64 issued a final ultimatum:
By August 15, 2026, the government must either:
- Officially convene the national inclusive dialogue, or
- Demonstrate tangible progress toward fulfilling its commitments.
Failure to meet these conditions will prompt C64 to “take all necessary political actions” and call for renewed peaceful citizen mobilizations. Until then, the coalition remains on high alert, vowing to maintain its structures across the country and the diaspora in a state of maximum readiness.
