C64 delays July 22 march and sets August 15 ultimatum for dialogue

The Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) announced today, Monday, July 20, that it is postponing its peaceful march originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, to demand the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. The announcement comes after a communiqué signed by all five coalition leaders: Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD), and Delly Sesanga (Envol).

The decision follows a July 18 appeal by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the ECC, represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend President André Bokundoa, respectively. The religious leaders urged the coalition to give genuine dialogue a chance. The C64 leadership also took note of the government’s announcement, made after an audience with religious leaders, that President Tshisekedi intends to organize an “inclusive, peaceful, and republican dialogue, respecting institutions and the Constitution.”

The coalition emphasized that this postponement, decided during meetings on July 18 and 20, represents a “gesture of responsibility” and should not be interpreted as a retreat from defending constitutional order or a weakening of their resolve. The coalition reaffirmed its opposition to any attempts to amend the Constitution, recalling that articles 70 and 220 explicitly prohibit serving more than two presidential terms.

However, the coalition set clear conditions. It demands that the inclusive national dialogue be officially convened “as soon as possible” to address the root causes of the crisis, including foreign aggression and insecurity in the eastern regions, governance failures, economic and social hardships, and necessary reforms to reunify the nation and consolidate peace. The coalition also calls for confidence-building measures to reassure all stakeholders.

The C64 warned that responsibility for the next steps “now lies with Félix Tshisekedi and his regime.” It cautioned the government against provocative actions, particularly the pursuit of constitutional amendments, explicitly citing the potential promulgation of a referendum law. Finally, the coalition set an ultimatum: if the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if announced commitments remain unimplemented, the coalition reserves the right to take “all necessary political actions” and mobilize the Congolese people to resume peaceful civic actions. In the meantime, the coalition states it will maintain all its structures, both within the country and abroad, in a state of “maximum mobilization and alert.”