The Article 64 Coalition for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) announced today the postponement of its planned peaceful march scheduled for this Wednesday, July 22, before the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa. The coalition had intended to demand President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation.

The decision comes after a joint appeal from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Evangelical Council of Congo (ECC) on July 18, urging C64 to give genuine dialogue a chance. The coalition acknowledged President Tshisekedi’s announcement during an audience with religious leaders, where he expressed willingness to organize an “inclusive, peaceful, and republican dialogue” respecting existing institutions and the Constitution.

C64’s postponement, decided during meetings on July 18 and 20, represents a “gesture of responsibility” rather than a retreat from defending constitutional order. The coalition reaffirmed its opposition to any constitutional amendments, citing Articles 70 and 220 which limit presidential terms to two.

However, C64 set clear conditions. The coalition demands the immediate convocation of a national inclusive dialogue to address root causes of the crisis: foreign aggression and insecurity in eastern Congo, governance failures, economic challenges, and necessary reforms for national reunification and peace consolidation. They also seek “confidence-building measures to reassure all stakeholders.”

The coalition warned that “the responsibility for the process now lies with Félix Tshisekedi and his regime.” They cautioned against provocative actions, particularly constitutional changes or referendum legislation.

C64 issued 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 “draw all political consequences” and call for renewed peaceful citizen actions. All coalition structures within Congo and abroad remain “on maximum mobilization and alert status.”