DR Congo suspends university activities in M23-controlled areas

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended university activities in eastern regions under the control of the M23 armed group, following accusations of unauthorized appointments to university management committees. The M23, a Rwandan-backed militia, has occupied significant areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including their provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu since 2021.

The Congolese higher education ministry has halted all academic activities at state universities and higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu until further notice to ensure that all activities adhere to legal and institutional guidelines.

An M23 spokesperson announced on the social media platform X that a system has been established to enable students to continue their studies. Despite this, the Congolese government had previously expressed concerns over several illegal appointments made by the M23 to university management bodies. The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for over three decades, with various armed groups vying for control over its mineral-rich regions.

Recently, the Swiss government announced that DRC and M23 had reached an agreement on a roadmap for peace negotiations following diplomatic talks in Switzerland.