Congo-kin: coalition demands constitutional order amid dialogue calls

The Congo-Kinshasa coalition defending constitutional order, Article 64, concluded its two-day visit to Bujumbura following an unexpected meeting with Burundi‘s President Évariste Ndayishimiye. The encounter, initiated by the Burundian leader in his capacity as current chair of the African Union, sparked debate within political circles.

Martin Fayulu and fellow coalition members swiftly clarified that they had not requested this meeting. Instead, they emphasized their unwavering commitment to democratic principles, distancing themselves from any perceived alignment with President Félix Tshisekedi‘s administration. The coalition leaders expressed cautious openness to dialogue but stressed that certain conditions must be met first.

Essential preconditions for meaningful political engagement

According to the coalition, genuine dialogue cannot proceed without:

• Public abandonment of the constitutional amendment project currently under consideration
• Immediate release of all political detainees
• Halt to politically motivated prosecutions
• Restoration of public freedoms suspended during the ongoing crisis

The coalition members underscored that these demands are non-negotiable pillars of their political platform. They warned that previous peace processes failed precisely because they neglected the political roots of the crisis, focusing instead on superficial solutions.

Core principles that cannot be compromised

In their statement, the Article 64 coalition reiterated the inalienable rights of the Congolese people, emphasizing:

• Strict upholding of the Constitution
• Unconditional respect for the rule of law
• Absolute sovereignty of the Congolese population in determining their nation’s future

The coalition leaders pointed to the current constitutional revision project as a critical stumbling block. They condemned this initiative, particularly in the context of ongoing armed conflict and foreign occupation of national territory. Their position remains firm: the constitutional amendment must be abandoned entirely.

These demands will take center stage during the coalition’s planned peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation on July 22. The protest will culminate in a call for President Félix Tshisekedi to step down, with coalition leaders accusing him of violating his constitutional oath through his actions.