DRC opposition C64 postpones protest after Burundi‑led talks on constitutional amendment

C64 constitutional amendment Birundi mediation July 22 protest Ndayishimiye

The Coalition 64 (C64) opposition alliance – comprising figures such as Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, Delly Sesanga and Jean‑Marc Kabund – has suspended its planned street actions against President Félix Tshisekedi’s constitutional revision project. The decision follows an invitation from Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who is serving as chair of the African Union, to attend urgent consultations in Bujumbura on the political, security and institutional crisis affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During the talks, Ndayishimiye met with C64 leaders, religious figures and civil‑society representatives, urging dialogue and the preservation of constitutional order. The opposition affirmed that the July 22 march will go ahead, stating, “Nous avons dit au président Évariste Ndayishimiye que nous maintenons cette activité, il n'y a pas à transiger là‑dessus.”

The Kinshasa provincial government, while acknowledging the right to protest, warned against any subversive acts and has deployed security forces to monitor the planned rally. In parallel, emissaries of former President Joseph Kabila’s FCC were excluded from the Burundi discussions. The opposition continues to demand the withdrawal of the proposed amendment that could allow a third term for Tshisekedi and calls for an inclusive national dialogue.