C64 postpones july 22 march and sets august 15 ultimatum for dialogue
The Coalition Article 64 for the defense of constitutional order (C64) has announced the postponement of its peaceful march scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in front of the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa. The decision was made public in a communiqué signed by the coalition’s five leaders—Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD), and Delly Sesanga (Envol)—issued on Monday, July 20.
Motivations behind the postponement
The C64 cited an appeal made on July 18 by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Evangelical Church of Congo (ECC), represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend President André Bokundoa, respectively. The religious leaders urged the coalition to give genuine dialogue a chance, a call that resonated with the coalition’s leadership.
Additionally, the coalition acknowledged a statement from the Presidency, delivered after an audience with the religious leaders, affirming President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitment to organizing an inclusive, peaceful, and republican dialogue that respects institutions and the constitution. This announcement reassured the coalition that the government was open to constructive engagement.
Conditions for the postponement
The C64 emphasized that its decision to postpone the march is a gesture of responsibility and should not be misinterpreted as a weakening of its resolve or a retreat from its constitutional mission. The coalition reaffirmed its opposition to any unconstitutional changes, citing Articles 70 and 220 of the constitution, which limit presidential terms to two.
The coalition set clear conditions for the postponement to remain in effect:
- A national inclusive dialogue must be officially convened without delay to address the root causes of the crisis, including:
- External aggression and insecurity in the eastern regions
- Governance failures
- Economic and social hardships
- Necessary reforms to reunify the country and consolidate peace
- Implementation of confidence-building measures to reassure all stakeholders.
Ultimatum to the government
The C64 placed the onus on President Félix Tshisekedi and his administration, warning against any provocative actions, particularly regarding constitutional amendments or the potential promulgation of a referendum law. The coalition stated:
“The responsibility for the next steps lies entirely with Félix Tshisekedi and his regime.”
If the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if the announced commitments remain unfulfilled, the C64 reserves the right to take all necessary political actions and call for renewed peaceful citizen mobilizations. Until then, the coalition maintains all its structures—both domestically and abroad—in a state of maximum mobilization and alert.
The communiqué concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s unwavering commitment to defending the constitutional order and protecting the interests of the Congolese people.