Following its recent engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) provided an update on Thursday, July 9, 2026, regarding its visit to Bujumbura.
Amidst accusations of compromising their convictions for closer ties with the Tshisekedi administration, key figures within the C64 sought to reassure the public. Martin Fayulu and his colleagues immediately clarified that they did not initiate the meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, as the current Chairperson of the African Union, took the initiative himself. While acknowledging their host’s proposals for prioritizing political dialogue and national cohesion, the coalition leaders accepted the principle but outlined several crucial preconditions.
According to the C64, any genuine dialogue hinges on the public and definitive abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment, the release of political prisoners, a halt to politically motivated legal proceedings, and the restoration of public freedoms. While expressing their interest in dialogue, the C64 leaders firmly believe certain principles are non-negotiable.
These non-negotiable principles include, among others, unwavering respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sovereignty 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 primary reason for the current stagnation, as fundamental political causes have never been adequately resolved.
The constitutional amendment project, championed by the Tshisekedi government, particularly in the current climate of conflict and partial national territory occupation, is viewed by the C64 as a critical political issue demanding immediate resolution. On this matter, they reiterated their steadfast opposition to any constitutional revision, advocating instead for strict adherence to the established institutional order. The coalition plans to champion these demands during their peaceful march towards the Palais de la Nation on July 22, ultimately calling for the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of betraying his constitutional oath.
