The leadership of the Article 64 Coalition (C64)—a group advocating for constitutional order—has concluded its recent visit to Bujumbura following a meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye on 9 July 2026.
Contrary to earlier speculations, the coalition’s top figures, including Martin Fayulu, clarified that they did not initiate the encounter. Instead, the Burundian head of state, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union, extended the invitation. During discussions, the Burundian leader urged the Congolese delegation to prioritize political dialogue and national unity as pathways to resolving the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the C64 leaders made it clear that their participation in any genuine dialogue hinges on strict conditions. They insist on a public and irreversible abandonment of the constitutional amendment plan, the immediate release of all political detainees, a halt to politically motivated prosecutions, and the restoration of civil liberties. For them, these are non-negotiable principles.
Core demands remain unchanged
The coalition stresses that previous peace processes in the DRC failed because they overlooked the political roots of the crisis. Their stance centers on three pillars: strict adherence to the Constitution, the supremacy of the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the Congolese people. They argue that without addressing these fundamental issues, any negotiated solution will remain superficial.
The proposed constitutional reform, currently championed by the Tshisekedi administration, is viewed as a major aggravating factor in the country’s turmoil. The coalition condemns the initiative outright and insists on upholding institutional order. Their position will take center stage during a planned peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation on 22 July 2026, where they will demand the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. The rationale behind this call is the alleged breach of his constitutional oath, which they claim has undermined the nation’s stability.
