The Coalition Article 64 for the defense of the constitutional order (C64) has announced the postponement of its peaceful march initially scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 in front of the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa. The decision, detailed in a communiqué released in Kinshasa on Monday, July 20, comes amid growing calls for dialogue from religious leaders and political stakeholders.

The communiqué, signed by the five leaders of the coalition—Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD) and Delly Sesanga (Envol)—highlights a strategic pause to assess the government’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The C64 leadership emphasized that this postponement, decided during meetings held on Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20, is a gesture of responsibility and does not signify a retreat from their constitutional defense mandate. The coalition reaffirmed its unyielding stance against any attempts to undermine the Constitution, particularly the two-term limit enshrined in Articles 70 and 220.

The coalition outlined clear conditions for the resumption of its planned actions. It demands the immediate convocation of an inclusive national dialogue to address critical issues including the security crisis in eastern DRC, governance failures, economic hardships, and necessary reforms to restore national unity and peace. Additionally, the C64 called for confidence-building measures to reassure all stakeholders involved in the process.

The responsibility for the next steps, the communiqué warns, rests solely with President Félix Tshisekedi and his administration. The coalition cautioned against any provocative actions, including the pursuit of constitutional amendments or the promulgation of a referendum law, which could escalate tensions.

In a firm stance, the C64 issued an ultimatum, declaring that if the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if the announced commitments remain unfulfilled, the coalition reserves the right to take all necessary political actions and call on the Congolese people to resume peaceful civic actions. Until then, the coalition pledged to maintain all its structures, both within the country and abroad, in a state of maximum mobilization and alertness.