Following its recent engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Article 64 Coalition for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) held a debriefing on Thursday, July 9, 2026, regarding their visit to Bujumbura.
Accusations that the C64 leadership had compromised their principles for an alliance with the Tshisekedi administration were swiftly addressed. Martin Fayulu and his colleagues clarified that they did not initiate the meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, asserting that he took the lead in his capacity as the current Chairperson of the African Union. While acknowledging their host’s proposals for prioritizing political dialogue and fostering national cohesion, the coalition leaders expressed their agreement in principle, contingent upon several key prerequisites.
According to the C64, any genuine dialogue must be predicated on a public and unequivocal abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment, the immediate release of political detainees, a halt to all politically motivated legal proceedings, and the full restoration of public liberties. Despite their stated interest in engaging in dialogue, the C64 leaders emphasized that certain fundamental principles remain non-negotiable.
These core tenets include unwavering respect for the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law, and the inviolable sovereignty of the Congolese populace. The coalition contends that the persistent failure of previous peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo stems from their inability to address the deep-seated political dimensions of the crisis, leaving its fundamental causes unresolved.
The C64 views the Tshisekedi administration’s proposed constitutional amendment, particularly amid ongoing conflict and the occupation of national territory, as a critical political issue demanding immediate resolution. In this context, they reiterated their firm opposition to any constitutional revision, advocating instead for the strict observance of institutional order. These demands are set to be amplified during their peaceful march on July 22, heading towards the Palais de la Nation, where they will call for President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation, citing an alleged breach of his constitutional oath.
