The C64 coalition, a group of opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has sparked controversy with its efforts to bring together President Félix Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila for dialogue. The initiative has been met with skepticism and criticism from various quarters, with some viewing it as an attempt by the coalition to assume a mediating role it was not assigned. Critics argue that the coalition is overstepping its mandate and that its actions may be seen as an attempt to regain visibility.
The C64 coalition, comprising prominent opposition figures such as Martin Fayulu, Moïse Katumbi, and Delly Sesanga, was formed on May 19, 2026, with the primary goal of advocating for the strict respect of the Congolese Constitution, particularly Article 220, which limits presidential terms. The coalition's recent meeting in Rome, which took place from October 25 to 27, resulted in a declaration condemning what it termed a "constitutional coup d'état" aimed at extending the current regime's stay in power beyond constitutional limits.
Delly Sesanga, president of the Envol party and a key figure in the C64 coalition, has clarified that the group's intention is not to mediate between Tshisekedi and Kabila or to assume an arbitrating role. Instead, Sesanga asserts that the coalition aims to expedite the advent of a national dialogue by laying the political groundwork for its opening. He emphasizes that the coalition rejects both the use of force to seize power and its confiscation through maneuvers directed against the Constitution.
Sesanga further explains that the coalition's push for dialogue does not imply approval or absolution for Kabila's actions, including his recent joining of a rebellion. However, he notes that excluding a rebellion does not mean excluding its leaders from discussions aimed at ending the conflict. Sesanga draws parallels with past negotiations between the Congolese government and armed groups, such as the AFC/M23 in Doha.
The C64 coalition is insistent that any national dialogue must be conducted in a concerted format, with guarantees of impartial facilitation, security for participants, and effective participation of exiled individuals. The coalition also advocates for a greater role for the Catholic and Protestant churches, whose credibility with different parties could facilitate a widely accepted facilitation.
On the issue of the electoral calendar, Sesanga firmly rejects any notion of postponing elections or revising the Constitution to extend Tshisekedi's term. He emphasizes that the coalition will resist any attempts to use a referendum to circumvent constitutional limits on presidential terms. If a controversial law is adopted, the C64 coalition threatens to organize citizen actions to counter it.
The C64 coalition's actions and declarations reflect its determination to ensure the respect of the Congolese Constitution and to promote a peaceful and democratic transition of power. As the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to evolve, the coalition's efforts to push for dialogue and its rejection of attempts to extend the current regime's stay in power remain key aspects of the country's political landscape.
Key points
- The C64 coalition seeks to expedite a national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The coalition rejects attempts to extend the current regime's stay in power beyond constitutional limits.
- Delly Sesanga clarifies that the coalition's intention is not to mediate between Tshisekedi and Kabila.
