Following their engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) provided an update this Thursday, July 9, 2026, on their visit to Bujumbura.
Addressing accusations of compromising their principles for a potential rapprochement with the Tshisekedi administration, key figures within the C64 sought to reassure their supporters. Martin Fayulu and his colleagues immediately clarified that they had not requested a meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, in his capacity as the acting chairperson of the African Union, had initiated the encounter. While open to their host’s proposals advocating for political dialogue and national cohesion, the coalition’s leaders embraced the concept in principle, but not without stipulating essential preconditions.
According to the C64, any genuine dialogue must be contingent upon a public and definitive abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment, the release of all political prisoners, the cessation of politically motivated legal proceedings, and the restoration of fundamental public freedoms. While expressing their interest in constructive discussions, the C64 leadership firmly believes that certain principles are non-negotiable.
These critical principles include, among others, unwavering respect for the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law, and upholding the 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 primary reason for the current stagnation, as the deep-seated political causes have consistently been overlooked.
The constitutional change project championed by the Tshisekedi regime, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict and partial occupation of national territory, represents a paramount political issue that demands immediate resolution in their view. On this matter, they reiterated their firm opposition to any constitutional revision, advocating instead for strict adherence to the existing institutional framework. The C64 intends to voice these demands during their peaceful march on July 22, heading towards the Palais de la Nation, with the ultimate goal of calling for the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of having betrayed his constitutional oath.
