With the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gripped by deep political and institutional turmoil, opposition leaders and religious representatives traveled to Bujumbura this week for high-level consultations hosted by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current chair of the African Union. The gathering aims to address the escalating crisis in the DRC ahead of a planned opposition march originally scheduled for July 8.
As tensions in Kinshasa remain high, the coalition behind the march—known as Article 64 for the defense of constitutional order (C64)—announced a postponement to July 22, citing the ongoing diplomatic efforts in Burundi as a constructive step toward preserving democratic stability.
Diplomatic push brings Congo’s opposition and faith leaders together
The consultations in Bujumbura include key figures from the C64 coalition, alongside delegates from the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), and the Platform of Religious Denominations, which includes Pentecostal and revivalist churches. Among those present is Ejiba Yamampia, a prominent representative of the revivalist movement.
« Religious leaders from across the spectrum are engaged in these discussions. Leaders from the C64 coalition are also taking part. The goal is to foster unity in addressing the challenges facing Congo’s constitutional framework. »
The agenda includes separate meetings with religious leaders before a joint audience with C64 officials. A final plenary session will bring all participants together under President Ndayishimiye’s leadership.
The coalition has made one demand clear: to be received as a unified delegation. This condition has been met, ensuring that no individual member is sidelined during the process.
« There will be no separate meetings for C64 members. They will be received collectively—this was a non-negotiable requirement, and it has been respected. »
Opposition postpones Congo march amid diplomatic outreach
The shift in timing of the C64-led demonstration reflects a strategic pause, allowing space for dialogue rather than confrontation. In a joint statement, prominent opposition figures—including Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund, Delly Sesanga, and Augustin Matata Ponyo—cited their participation in Bujumbura as an act of responsibility. They emphasized the importance of exploring every avenue that could reinforce constitutional governance and protect the nation’s democratic institutions.
The coalition intends to use this opportunity to articulate the concerns of the Congolese people and highlight the threats they believe endanger the country’s democratic fabric and institutional integrity.
African union emphasizes dialogue in Congo crisis resolution
This mediation effort follows President Ndayishimiye’s recent state visit to Kinshasa, where he stood alongside President Félix Tshisekedi to reaffirm the need for institutional stability and national unity amid ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC. The Burundian leader, as AU chair, urged all political and social stakeholders in Congo to prioritize dialogue over conflict and commended the government’s demonstrated openness to engagement.
As the Bujumbura talks conclude, all eyes will turn to July 22, the new date set for the C64 national march. The event remains focused on advocating for constitutional order and submitting a formal memorandum to President Tshisekedi.
