C64 delays July 22 march and gives ultimatum to DRC government

The Coalition Article 64 for the defense of constitutional order (C64) announced on Monday, July 20, in a press release issued in Kinshasa, the postponement of the peaceful march it had planned for Wednesday, July 22, at the Palais de la Nation to demand the resignation of President Félix Tshisekedi. The communiqué bears the signatures of the coalition’s five leaders: Martin Fayulu (ECiDé), Jean-Marc Kabund (A.Ch), Moïse Katumbi (Ensemble), Augustin Matata (LGD), and Delly Sesanga (Envol).

According to the statement, this decision follows the appeal launched on July 18 by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Evangelical Church of Congo (ECC), represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend President André Bokundoa, inviting C64 to give genuine dialogue a chance. The coalition also acknowledges the announcement made by the Presidential office, following an audience granted to religious leaders, regarding the Head of State’s willingness to organize an inclusive, peaceful, and republican dialogue, respecting institutions and the Constitution.

C64 specifies that this delay, decided during its meetings of the Presidents’ Conference on Saturday, July 18, and Monday, July 20, represents a gesture of responsibility and should not be interpreted as a renunciation of its defense of constitutional order or a weakening of its determination. The coalition reaffirms its opposition to any attempts to undermine the Constitution, recalling that, under Articles 70 and 220, no one may serve more than two terms as head of state.

The communiqué sets clear conditions. C64 demands that the inclusive national dialogue be officially convened as soon as possible to address the root causes of the crisis: foreign aggression and insecurity in the East, governance failures, economic and social difficulties, and necessary reforms to reunify the country and consolidate peace. It also calls for confidence-building and de-escalation measures to reassure all stakeholders.

C64 warns that the ball is now in the court of Félix Tshisekedi and his regime. It cautions the government against any provocative acts, particularly the continuation of constitutional amendment processes, and explicitly mentions the potential promulgation of a referendum law.

Finally, C64 sets an ultimatum: if the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if announced commitments remain unfulfilled, the coalition reserves the right to take all necessary political measures and call on the Congolese people to resume peaceful civic actions. Meanwhile, it states that it will keep all its structures, both in the country and abroad, in a state of maximum mobilization and alert.