The Conference of Presidents of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) reaffirmed its role as the decision-making body of the platform on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Kinshasa. In a statement released after the Rome conclave held by the Presidium, the Conference of Presidents called on the Presidium to respect the founding texts of the coalition. The statement emphasized that decisions binding the coalition must be taken in strict respect of the governance mechanisms provided for by the Pact of Trust of the C64.
The Conference of Presidents insisted that it remains the body authorized to define the strategic orientations of the platform and recalled that the principle of collegiality must guide any political initiative. The structure opposes any approach aimed at making the Presidium a mediator between President Félix Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila. According to the Conference of Presidents, the primary mission of the C64 is to defend the constitutional order and the democratic achievements of the country.
The Conference of Presidents rejected any mediation between Tshisekedi and Kabila, stating that any possible political mediation could only be considered within the framework of an inclusive national dialogue involving recognized actors such as the CENCO, ECC, African Union, or other international partners. The coalition also called for the immediate and unconditional release of three of its members: Marley Vuvu, Prince Epenge, and Stéphane Shiso, who were arrested.
The Conference of Presidents of the C64 stated that these personalities must be released and assured that it will continue to engage in favor of respect for public freedoms and democratic principles in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The statement from the Conference of Presidents comes after the Rome conclave held by the Presidium, which closed on October 27. At the end of this conclave, the Presidium had announced its intention to initiate dialogue between Felix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila.
The rejection of this initiative by the Conference of Presidents illustrates internal divergences on the orientation of the platform. The C64 coalition was formed to promote democracy and respect for the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The coalition brings together various political and social forces opposed to any revision of the constitution that would allow President Kabila to extend his term.
The Conference of Presidents also recalled that the C64 is committed to defending the democratic achievements of the country and promoting the respect of the constitutional order. The coalition's statement reflects the internal tensions within the C64, which has been marked by divisions over the strategy to be adopted vis-à-vis the government and the Presidency.
The C64 coalition will continue to play a key role in the Congolese political scene, particularly in the fight against any attempts to undermine democracy and the constitutional order. The coalition's commitment to the respect of public freedoms and democratic principles remains firm, and it will continue to engage in favor of the release of its arrested members.
Key points
- The Conference of Presidents of the C64 reaffirmed its role as the decision-making body of the platform.
- The C64 rejected any mediation between President Tshisekedi and former President Kabila.
- The coalition called for the release of three of its members arrested.
