Following their recent visit to Bujumbura, the leaders of the Article 64 Coalition for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) have once again clarified their position this Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The coalition, led by prominent figures such as Martin Fayulu, emphasized that their meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye was not their initiative. Instead, they stated that the Burundian head of state, acting in his capacity as African Union chairperson, extended the invitation to discuss national cohesion and political dialogue.
The C64 leaders expressed willingness to engage in dialogue but underscored that certain conditions must be met first. Among their core demands are the immediate abandonment of constitutional amendment plans, the release of all political prisoners, the cessation of politically motivated prosecutions, and the restoration of public freedoms. These, they argue, are non-negotiable prerequisites for any meaningful discussion.
The coalition firmly believes that previous peace processes failed because they overlooked the political roots of the crisis. They insist that the current constitutional reform proposal, pushed by President Félix Tshisekedi amid ongoing conflict and territorial occupation, is a critical issue that must be addressed.
On July 22, the C64 plans to stage a peaceful march toward the Palais de la Nation, where they will demand President Tshisekedi’s resignation. The coalition accuses him of violating his constitutional oath, a claim they intend to highlight during the demonstration.
The Article 64 Coalition’s demands revolve around the restoration of constitutional order, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for the Congolese people’s sovereignty. They argue that without addressing these fundamental political issues, lasting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo remain unattainable.