Burundi hosts Congo opposition leaders for political crisis talks

In the run-up to the rescheduled major march by the Article 64 coalition for the defense of constitutional order (C64), key opposition figures from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and religious leaders have traveled to Bujumbura. The delegation is participating in high-level political consultations convened by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union, to address the deepening political, security, and institutional crisis gripping the DRC.

Opposition and faith leaders unite in Bujumbura talks

The consultations bring together prominent members of the C64 coalition alongside representatives from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), and the Platform of Religious Confessions, including the Pentecostal churches. These discussions aim to foster a unified approach to the challenges facing the country.

« The talks include priests, pastors, and leaders like Ejiba Yamampia from the Pentecostal churches, alongside the full C64 coalition. The agenda is clear: collective engagement to address the crisis. »

The schedule begins with separate meetings with religious leaders, followed by an audience with the C64 leadership. A broader session will then unite all participants under the guidance of the Burundian President.

The opposition coalition has set a firm condition: their delegation must be received as a unified group.

« The term ‘separate meetings’ does not imply individual audiences. The C64 leaders will be received together—this was a non-negotiable demand, and it has been met. »

C64 march postponed to July 22 amid diplomatic efforts

The Bujumbura consultations have prompted the opposition to postpone their planned July 8 march. Leaders including Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Jean-Marc Kabund, Delly Sesanga, and Augustin Matata Ponyo cited their acceptance of President Ndayishimiye’s invitation as an act of responsibility. They emphasized that any initiative supporting constitutional order warrants serious consideration.

The coalition has stated its intention to use these discussions to clearly and firmly articulate the concerns of the Congolese people. They aim to highlight the risks they believe threaten the nation’s democracy and institutions.

African Union prioritizes dialogue in DRC conflict resolution

These mediation efforts follow Burundian President Ndayishimiye’s recent state visit to Kinshasa. Alongside DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, he underscored the urgent need to safeguard institutional stability and national unity amid persistent security threats in eastern DRC.

As Chairperson of the African Union, Ndayishimiye has urged all Congolese political and social forces to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. He has also commended the openness demonstrated by Congolese authorities in addressing the crisis.

With Bujumbura consultations concluded, all eyes will now turn to July 22—the new date set by the C64 coalition for its national march. The event’s core objectives remain unchanged: defending constitutional order and submitting a memorandum to President Félix Tshisekedi.