Congo-Kinshasa political dialogue faces key demands from opposition coalition

A day after meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Article 64 Coalition for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) concluded its visit to Bujumbura on July 9, 2026.

The coalition’s senior figures, including Martin Fayulu, moved swiftly to deny accusations of compromising their principles by engaging with the Tshisekedi administration. They clarified that their trip was not self-initiated but rather a response to an invitation extended by President Ndayishimiye, who holds the rotating chairmanship of the African Union. During discussions, the Burundian leader emphasized the importance of political dialogue and national unity, an approach the C64 delegation cautiously welcomed—though not without setting firm conditions.

The coalition insists that any meaningful dialogue must begin with the unequivocal abandonment of constitutional amendments, the immediate release of all political prisoners, the termination of politically motivated prosecutions, and the restoration of public freedoms. While expressing openness to negotiation, the C64 leaders stress that certain foundational principles remain non-negotiable.

Among these core demands are the strict adherence to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the Congolese people. The coalition argues that previous peace processes failed because they overlooked the political roots of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing underlying tensions to persist unresolved.

The proposed constitutional changes championed by President Félix Tshisekedi—particularly amid ongoing conflict and foreign occupation of parts of the national territory—are viewed as a critical obstacle to stability. In response, the coalition has reaffirmed its opposition to these revisions and is calling for strict adherence to institutional order. These grievances are set to take center stage on July 22, when C64 plans a peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation, demanding President Tshisekedi’s resignation for allegedly violating his constitutional oath.