Following a high-level meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Coalition Article 64 (C64) concluded its three-day visit to Bujumbura on July 9, 2026.
Under scrutiny for engaging with President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, C64’s leadership quickly clarified their stance. Martin Fayulu and fellow coalition members denied initiating the meeting, insisting it was arranged by Ndayishimiye in his capacity as African Union chairperson. While welcoming dialogue as a path to national unity, the coalition set firm conditions for any progress.
Their priorities remain non-negotiable: an immediate end to constitutional reform plans, the release of political prisoners, halting politically motivated prosecutions, and restoring civil liberties. These demands underscore their belief that previous peace efforts failed by overlooking Congo’s core political issues.
For C64, respect for the Constitution, rule of law, and Congolese sovereignty are sacrosanct. They argue that the current crisis stems from unaddressed political grievances, a problem compounded by the regime’s push for constitutional changes amid ongoing conflict and territorial occupation.
The coalition reaffirmed their opposition to constitutional revisions and vowed to escalate their demands on July 22 during a peaceful march to the Palais de la Nation. Their target: President Tshisekedi’s resignation, citing alleged violations of his constitutional oath.
