Following its recent meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) provided an update on its trip to Bujumbura this Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Accused by some of compromising their principles for a potential rapprochement with the Tshisekedi administration, leading figures within C64 sought to reassure the public. Martin Fayulu and his colleagues immediately clarified that they did not initiate the meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, as the acting chairperson of the African Union, took the initiative to convene them. While acknowledging their host’s proposals for prioritizing political dialogue and national cohesion, the coalition’s leaders embraced the general concept but stipulated several crucial prerequisites.

According to C64, any authentic dialogue hinges on specific conditions: a public and irreversible abandonment of the proposed constitutional amendment, the immediate release of all political prisoners, an end to politically motivated legal proceedings, and the full restoration of public freedoms. While expressing their willingness to engage in dialogue, C64 leaders firmly stated that certain fundamental principles remain non-negotiable.

These non-negotiable tenets include, among others, unwavering respect for the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law, and upholding the sovereignty of the Congolese people. They contend that the failure of previous peace initiatives to adequately address the political dimension of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the root cause of the current stagnation, as deeper political issues have consistently been overlooked.

The constitutional amendment project championed by the Tshisekedi administration, particularly amidst ongoing conflict and the occupation of national territory, is viewed by C64 as a critical political challenge that demands immediate resolution. On this matter, they reiterated their firm stance against any constitutional revision, advocating instead for strict adherence to the established institutional order. C64 plans to amplify these demands during a peaceful march scheduled for July 22, heading towards the Palais de la Nation, with their ultimate objective being the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of having violated his constitutional oath.