The Coalition Article 64 for the Defense of the Constitutional Order (C64) announced today, Monday, July 20, in a Kinshasa press release, the postponement of its peaceful march originally scheduled for this Wednesday, July 22, at the Palais de la Nation to demand President Félix Tshisekedi’s resignation. The statement 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 communiqué, this decision follows an appeal made on July 18 by the CENCO and ECC, represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Reverend President André Bokundoa, urging C64 to give genuine dialogue a chance. The coalition also acknowledges the announcement from the Republic’s Presidency, following an audience with religious leaders, of President Tshisekedi’s intention to organize an “inclusive, peaceful, and resolutely republican dialogue, respecting institutions and the Constitution.”

C64 clarifies that this postponement, decided during its Presidents’ Conference meetings on Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20, represents a “gesture of responsibility” and should not be interpreted as a renunciation of defending constitutional order or a weakening of its determination. The coalition reaffirms its opposition to any constitutional amendment, citing Articles 70 and 220 which limit presidential mandates to two terms.

The communiqué sets clear conditions. C64 demands that the inclusive national dialogue be officially convened “without delay” to address root causes of the crisis: external aggression and insecurity in the East, governance failures, economic and social difficulties, and necessary reforms for national reunification and peace consolidation. It also calls for “confidence-building and de-escalation measures” to reassure all stakeholders.

The coalition warns that responsibility for the process’s success “now lies with Félix Tshisekedi and his regime.” It cautions against any provocative actions, particularly the constitutional amendment process, specifically mentioning potential referendum legislation. Finally, C64 sets an ultimatum: if the inclusive national dialogue is not officially convened by August 15, 2026, or if announced commitments remain unimplemented, the coalition reserves the right to take “all necessary political actions” and call on the Congolese people to resume peaceful citizen actions. In the meantime, it states all its structures, both domestic and diaspora-based, remain in “maximum mobilization and alert status.”