Following its engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 (C64), a group dedicated to safeguarding constitutional order, presented the findings of its trip to Bujumbura on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Accused of compromising their convictions for a potential rapprochement with the Tshisekedi administration, the prominent figures of the C64 were keen to reassure their supporters. Martin Fayulu and his associates promptly clarified that they had not requested any meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, they stated, initiated the encounter in his capacity as the acting chairperson of the African Union. While the coalition leaders accepted in principle their host’s proposals advocating for political dialogue and national cohesion, they did so with specific prerequisites.
According to the C64, any meaningful dialogue hinges on the public and definitive abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment, the liberation of political prisoners, a halt to all politically motivated judicial proceedings, and the full restoration of public liberties. While expressing their interest in dialogue, the C64 leaders firmly believe that certain core principles are, in their view, non-negotiable.
These principles include, among others, unwavering adherence to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the Congolese people. They contend that the failure of previous peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo to address the political dimension of the crisis is the root cause of the current stagnation, as the deep-seated political issues were never adequately resolved.
The constitutional change project championed by the Tshisekedi government, especially within the current climate of conflict and partial occupation of national territory, is considered by the C64 to be one of the most critical political problems requiring immediate attention. On this matter, they reiterated their opposition to any constitutional revision, advocating instead for strict respect for institutional order. These demands are set to be amplified during their peaceful march on July 22, which will proceed towards the Palais de la Nation, with the ultimate objective of calling for the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of having betrayed his constitutional oath.
