KINSHASA — The Article 64 Coalition (C64) is stepping up its stance amid the political and security crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Meeting in a conclave in Rome, Italy, from October 25 to 27, 2026, leaders of the political coalition announced an initiative to meet President Félix Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila in an effort to promote a negotiated solution to the Congolese crisis.
In their statement released on October 27, Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, Moïse Katumbi, Augustin Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga, who signed the document, called for an inclusive national dialogue bringing together all parties without exclusion, with the aim of restoring trust, preserving national unity and ensuring respect for the Constitution.
The C64 categorically rejects any constitutional amendment that it believes could undermine presidential term limits. It also opposes a potential third term, any postponement of the elections scheduled for 2028, and any seizure of power by force.
Dialogue as a Way Out of the Crisis
In light of ongoing armed clashes and the risk of the country’s territorial fragmentation, the coalition believes that a purely military solution cannot provide a lasting way out of the crisis. It therefore calls for coordination among ongoing diplomatic initiatives, particularly the Doha process and the African facilitation efforts led by Angola and Togo, with mediation by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC).
The coalition also calls for compliance with the ceasefire, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which notably recommends the withdrawal of foreign troops from Congolese territory.
Arrests and Civil Liberties Under Scrutiny
On the domestic front, the C64 demands an end to arrests it describes as arbitrary, intimidation, and restrictions on peaceful political activities. It also calls for the release of individuals it considers to be detained because of their opinions or civic engagement.
The coalition specifically demands the release of Marley Vuvu, Prince Epenge and Stéphane Shiso. It also calls for independent and credible investigations into the violence reported during the demonstrations of June 12 and September 15, 2026, as well as the assassination of Manassé Lomboto.
The statement also targets the “Forces du progrès,” whose dissolution the C64 demands, citing the constitutional prohibition of private militias.
Fayulu and His Allies Call on the DRC’s International Partners
Beyond domestic political actors, the coalition plans to engage the DRC’s international partners in an effort to secure support for a lasting, negotiated solution to the crisis.
It says its efforts will be guided by respect for the Constitution, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of the population.
This initiative comes amid heightened tensions over the country’s institutional future and continued armed conflicts in the eastern DRC. It remains to be seen whether the proposed meetings with Félix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila will take place and pave the way for political dialogue capable of bringing the various parties together.
For the Article 64 Coalition, the challenge now is to find a Congolese-led solution to the crisis while safeguarding constitutional order and the 2028 electoral timetable.
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