With the initial date for the Article 64 coalition’s (C64) major constitutional-order march fast approaching, opposition leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo and top representatives of the country’s main religious organizations have traveled to Bujumbura. They are attending high-level political consultations convened by Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and current chair of the African Union, to address the deepening political, security and institutional crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

diplomatic push aims to ease tensions ahead of planned demonstrations

The move comes amid escalating political tensions in the DRC, prompting the C64 coalition to postpone its march—originally scheduled for July 8—to July 22.

all major opposition and faith-based groups at the negotiating table

The talks in Bujumbura include key figures from the C64 coalition alongside delegates from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), and the Religious Platform, which encompasses the country’s Pentecostal and revival churches.

“From pastors and priests to bishops and revival church leaders—including Ejiba Yamampia—along with the full C64 leadership, every voice is represented at these discussions,” a participant noted.

The agenda includes private meetings with religious leaders, followed by a joint session with C64 representatives, culminating in a broader gathering with President Ndayishimiye.

Crucially, the opposition coalition set one non-negotiable condition: to be received as a unified delegation.

“Separate meetings were never on the table. The C64 leadership insisted—and secured—this collective audience with the Burundian president,” an insider confirmed.

delayed march signals commitment to dialogue over confrontation

These Bujumbura consultations have prompted the opposition to reschedule its national demonstration from July 8 to July 22. In a joint statement, figures including Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund, Delly Sesanga and Augustin Matata Ponyo explained they accepted the invitation “in a spirit of responsibility,” seeing it as a chance to explore any avenue that might help preserve constitutional order.

The coalition emphasized that these discussions provide an opportunity to present, with clarity and resolve, the concerns of the Congolese people and the perceived threats to the country’s democracy and institutions.

african union prioritizes political dialogue in the drc

These talks follow President Ndayishimiye’s recent state visit to Kinshasa, where he and President Félix Tshisekedi underscored the urgent need to protect institutional stability and national unity amid ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC.

The African Union chair also urged Congolese political and social actors to favor dialogue over confrontation, commending the openness shown by Congolese authorities.

As consultations in Bujumbura draw to a close, all eyes now turn to July 22—the new date set by the C64 coalition for its national march. The event’s core mission remains unchanged: to defend constitutional order and submit a memorandum to President Félix Tshisekedi.