Following its recent engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 (C64), a prominent advocate for constitutional integrity, convened on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to report on its diplomatic mission to Bujumbura.
Addressing swirling rumors that they had traded core convictions for a rapprochement with the Tshisekedi administration, the prominent figures within C64 quickly sought to allay concerns. Martin Fayulu and his delegation emphatically stated that they had not initiated any meeting with President Ndayishimiye, clarifying that the invitation came from him in his capacity as the reigning Chairperson of the African Union. While receptive to their host’s calls for prioritizing political dialogue and fostering national cohesion, the coalition’s leaders endorsed the fundamental idea, but only after presenting a firm set of prerequisites.
For C64, any legitimate dialogue necessitates several crucial conditions: a public and unequivocal renunciation of the proposed constitutional changes, the immediate release of all political prisoners, the cessation of all politically charged judicial proceedings, and the full restoration of public liberties. Despite their expressed interest in pursuing constructive dialogue within African politics, the coalition’s leadership firmly believes certain foundational principles remain beyond negotiation.
These steadfast principles encompass, critically, the strict observance of the Constitution, the robust upholding of the rule of law, and the absolute sovereignty of the Congolese populace. They argue that the persistent failure of prior peace initiatives to meaningfully engage with the political complexities of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo lies at the heart of the ongoing stagnation, given that the deep-seated political grievances have consistently gone unaddressed.
From their perspective, the Tshisekedi government’s pursuit of a constitutional amendment, especially amidst the current climate of conflict and the occupation of parts of the national territory, stands as a paramount political issue requiring immediate and decisive action. In this regard, they reaffirmed their unwavering opposition to any constitutional revision, instead championing the strict adherence to the existing institutional framework.
These pivotal demands are slated to be prominently voiced on July 22, as the C64 embarks on a peaceful demonstration culminating at the Palais de la Nation. Their overarching goal remains the insistence on President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation, asserting that he has fundamentally breached his constitutional commitments.
