The Article 64 Coalition for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) announced on Monday, July 20, from Kinshasa, the postponement of its peaceful march originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, before the Palais de la Nation. The coalition’s leaders—Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD), and Delly Sesanga (Envol)—signed the official statement.

The coalition justified its decision by citing the appeal made on July 18 by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Evangelical Council of Congo (ECC), represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend President André Bokundoa, respectively. These faith leaders urged the C64 to grant the government a genuine opportunity for dialogue. The coalition also acknowledged the government’s announcement, following an audience granted to the religious leaders, of President Félix Tshisekedi’s willingness to organize an “inclusive, peaceful, and resolutely republican dialogue,” respecting institutions and the Constitution.

The C64 emphasized that this postponement, decided during its Presidents’ Conference meetings on Saturday, July 18, and Monday, July 20, is a “gesture of responsibility” and should not be interpreted as a retreat from defending constitutional order or a weakening of its resolve. The coalition reiterated its opposition to any attempt to alter the Constitution, citing Articles 70 and 220, which limit presidential mandates to two terms.

The coalition set clear conditions for the process. It demands that the inclusive national dialogue be officially convened “without delay” to address the root causes of the crisis: external aggression and insecurity in the eastern regions, governance failures, economic and social challenges, and necessary reforms to reunify the territory and consolidate peace. The C64 also calls for “confidence-building and de-escalation measures” to reassure all stakeholders.

The coalition warned that the responsibility for the next steps “now lies with Félix Tshisekedi and his regime.” It cautioned the government against any provocative actions, particularly the continuation of constitutional amendment processes, explicitly mentioning the potential promulgation of a referendum law. Finally, the C64 set an ultimatum: if the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if the announced commitments remain unimplemented, the coalition reserves the right to “draw all political consequences” and call on the Congolese people to resume peaceful civic actions. In the meantime, it stated that it maintains all its structures, both domestically and abroad, in a state of “maximum mobilization and alert.”