DR Congo coalition demands constitutional safeguards before dialogue
After a meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Congolese coalition Article 64 (C64) concluded its visit to Bujumbura on July 9, 2026. The delegation sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding its stance on the ongoing political crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Leaders of C64, including Martin Fayulu, emphasized that their engagement with President Ndayishimiye was not their initiative but rather a response to the Burundian leader’s outreach as the current chair of the African Union. While expressing openness to political dialogue and national cohesion, the coalition firmly outlined its core demands before any substantive discussions could proceed.
Uncompromising conditions for dialogue
The coalition insists that any meaningful dialogue must begin with the public abandonment of plans to amend the constitution, the immediate release of all political prisoners, and the cessation of politically motivated prosecutions. Additionally, they demand the restoration of fundamental freedoms that have been curtailed in recent months.
The C64 leaders argue that previous peace processes failed because they overlooked the political root causes of the crisis, which remain unaddressed. Their position is anchored in the belief that the Constitution must be upheld, the rule of law must prevail, and the sovereignty of the Congolese people must be respected without exception.
Constitutional stability under threat
One of the coalition’s primary concerns is President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to revise the constitution, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict and foreign occupation in parts of the DRC. They view this initiative as a direct violation of democratic norms and a betrayal of the president’s constitutional oath. To protest these actions, C64 has called for a peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation on July 22, where they will demand the president’s resignation for failing to honor his commitments.
