The Coalition Article 64 (C64), a group advocating for constitutional order in the Democratic Republic of Congo, concluded a visit to Bujumbura today, following high-level discussions with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Leaders of the coalition, including Martin Fayulu, faced questions about their engagement with Ndayishimiye, who reportedly initiated the meeting as the current chair of the African Union. The C64 representatives clarified they had not requested the encounter but welcomed the opportunity to discuss political dialogue and national cohesion. However, they insisted on firm conditions for any meaningful negotiation.
Key demands for sustainable political dialogue
According to the coalition, genuine progress in talks requires the Congolese government to:
- Publicly abandon any plans to amend the constitution;
- Release all political prisoners without delay;
- Cease politically motivated prosecutions;
- Restore full public freedoms.
Despite expressing openness to dialogue, the C64 leadership stressed that certain constitutional and democratic principles are non-negotiable. These include adherence to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the Congolese people. They argued that past peace initiatives failed precisely because they overlooked the political roots of the crisis, leaving systemic issues unresolved.
Constitutional revision and national stability
The coalition views the ongoing constitutional reform agenda—particularly during a time of war and foreign occupation—as a major obstacle to peace. They reiterated their opposition to any constitutional changes and called for strict respect of institutional order. These concerns will take center stage on July 22, when C64 plans a peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation, demanding the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of violating his constitutional oath.
