With the planned July 8 march by the Article 64 coalition for constitutional order (C64) hanging in the balance, key opposition figures from the Democratic Republic of the Congo have traveled to Bujumbura for high-stakes political consultations. The meetings, convened by Évariste Ndayishimiye, both Burundian president and current African Union chairperson, aim to address the deepening political, security, and institutional crisis gripping the DRC.
Religious and opposition leaders unite in Bujumbura
The talks bring together prominent members of the C64 coalition alongside delegates from the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), and the Religious Platform, including leaders of the Revival Churches. Among those present are Ejiba Yamampia, representing the Revival Churches, alongside the full C64 leadership.
The agenda includes separate sessions with religious leaders before a joint audience with C64 representatives. A plenary meeting involving all participants will then take place under the chairmanship of the Burundian head of state.
C64 has firmly insisted on being received as a unified delegation, a condition that has been met. “Our requirement was clear: the entire coalition must meet together, not in separate sessions. This demand has been accepted,” noted a coalition spokesperson.
Opposition march postponed amid diplomatic efforts
The Bujumbura consultations have prompted the opposition coalition to postpone its July 8 national march to July 22. In a joint statement, figures including Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund, Delly Sesanga, and Augustin Matata Ponyo explained their decision as an act of responsibility, emphasizing that any initiative supporting constitutional order deserves consideration.
The coalition intends to use these discussions to highlight the Congolese people’s pressing concerns and underscore the threats they perceive to the nation’s democracy and institutions. “We will present these issues with clarity and resolve,” they affirmed.
African Union prioritizes dialogue in DRC crisis
This mediation follows Évariste Ndayishimiye’s recent state visit to Kinshasa, where he and President Félix Tshisekedi underscored the critical need to uphold institutional stability and national unity amid ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC. The Burundian leader, serving as AU chairperson, called on all Congolese political and social forces to favor dialogue over confrontation while commending the openness shown by Congolese authorities.
As the Bujumbura consultations conclude, all eyes now turn to July 22, the rescheduled date for the C64 march. The coalition’s goal remains unchanged: to defend constitutional order and submit a memorandum to President Félix Tshisekedi.
