Following its recent engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 (C64), dedicated to defending the constitutional order, delivered a comprehensive report on Thursday, July 9, 2026, detailing their trip to Bujumbura.
Addressing allegations of compromising their convictions for a closer alignment with the Tshisekedi administration, key figures within the C64 sought to reassure their base. Martin Fayulu and his associates immediately clarified that they had not initiated the meeting with President Ndayishimiye, who, as the acting chairperson of the African Union, had instead taken the initiative. While open to their host’s proposals advocating for political dialogue and national cohesion, the coalition leaders affirmed their commitment to the principle, albeit with explicit preconditions.
According to the C64, any genuine dialogue hinges on several critical requirements: a public and definitive abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment project, the immediate release of all political prisoners, an end to politically motivated judicial prosecutions, and the full restoration of public liberties. Despite expressing interest in dialogue, the C64 leadership maintains that certain fundamental principles remain non-negotiable.
These essential principles include, but are not limited to, unwavering respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the inherent sovereignty of the Congolese people. They argue that the failure of previous peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo to adequately address the political dimension of the crisis is the root cause of the current stalemate, as deep-seated political issues have consistently been overlooked.
The constitutional amendment project, championed by the Tshisekedi government amidst an ongoing conflict and the occupation of national territory, represents a major political challenge that, in their view, demands urgent resolution. On this matter, they reiterated their firm opposition to any constitutional revision, advocating instead for strict adherence to the existing institutional framework. The C64 plans to amplify these demands during a peaceful march on July 22, heading towards the Palais de la Nation, where they intend to call for the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of having betrayed his constitutional oath.
