Students in Goma, Nord-Kivu, and Bukavu, Sud-Kivu, have called for the immediate resumption of academic activities at several public institutions. Their demands come in response to the suspension of these activities, which was officially justified by authorities as a necessary measure to safeguard the safety of students and staff members in both cities. The students are advocating for the immediate return to classes, practical work, exams, internships, and research activities, which have been halted due to the prevailing security situation in the region. This broad suspension impacts numerous students across the two provincial capitals, raising concerns about the continuity of their education and future prospects.
Student Demands and Memorandum
Student representatives presented a full memorandum on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, outlining their urgent demands and concerns. The students are grouped within the Coordination interinstitutionnelle des représentants des étudiants du Nord-Kivu et du Sud-Kivu, a unified body representing their collective voice. A primary request articulated in the memorandum is for a reorganization of the academic calendar to accommodate the disruption and the implementation of strong catch-up mechanisms for all activities that have been interrupted. This would include not only classroom instruction but also essential practical work, examinations, internships, and research projects that are integral to their academic progression.
In a poignant statement reflecting their position, student representatives asserted, "Les étudiants ne sont pas parties aux confrontations" (Students are not parties to the confrontations), emphasizing their neutrality and their desire to pursue their education unimpeded by ongoing conflicts. The memorandum, a critical document articulating their grievances and proposals, was addressed to a wide array of influential entities. These included the Congolese government, the National Assembly, the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23). By addressing such a diverse group of stakeholders, the students aim to garner broad support and pressure for the resumption of academic life. Students are specifically requesting the direct involvement of the United Nations, UNESCO, and UNICEF in finding sustainable and effective solutions to the ongoing academic disruption, noting the perceived need for international mediation and support.
Government's Suspension Rationale
The Congolese government, acting from Kinshasa, implemented a broad suspension of academic and para-academic activities across eleven public higher education institutions located in Goma and Bukavu. This measure, announced by the central government, is indefinite, meaning no specific end date has been provided, adding to the uncertainty faced by students and faculty. The suspension specifically impacts the entirety of the 2026-2027 academic year, casting a long shadow over educational planning in the region. However, a key exception was made for certain final-year students from the 2025-2026 academic year who had not yet completed their curriculum; these students are permitted to continue their studies, acknowledging the critical juncture they are at in their academic careers.
Kinshasa has also publicly rejected appointments made by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23) in academic institutions. The government stated unequivocally that the movement lacks the legitimate authority to designate personnel or make any such appointments within public institutions. This firm stance shows the government's position on the governance and control of educational bodies in the affected regions, asserting its sole legitimate authority over these critical public services. The broader context of the suspension relates directly to the prevailing security situation, which authorities have cited as the primary and overriding reason for halting educational activities. The official justification centers on the imperative to ensure the safety and security of both students and staff, a concern that the government maintains takes precedence over immediate academic continuity in the current volatile environment.
Regional Security and Political Context
Goma, the bustling capital of Nord-Kivu, and Bukavu, the capital of Sud-Kivu, have been under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23) since January and February 2025, respectively. This significant shift in territorial control has profoundly impacted daily life and institutional operations in both cities. The AFC-M23, a prominent armed group led by Corneille Nangaa, had announced the appointment of management committee members in several higher education institutions in both Goma and Bukavu shortly before the Congolese government's full suspension of academic activities. These appointments were perceived by Kinshasa as an illegitimate assertion of authority over state institutions, further escalating tensions.
Kinshasa has consistently accused Rwanda of providing material and logistical support to the AFC-M23, an allegation that Kigali steadfastly denies. Despite Rwanda's denials, United Nations reports have documented compelling evidence of Rwandan military support to the M23, lending credence to Kinshasa's claims. This complex and highly charged regional dynamic forms the volatile backdrop against which the academic suspensions and student demands are occurring in the two provincial capitals. The government in Kinshasa views the AFC-M23's actions, such as attempting to appoint academic personnel, as illegitimate and a direct challenge to its sovereignty, further complicating the already precarious political and security landscape in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ongoing conflict and the presence of non-state armed groups continue to destabilize the region, making the resumption of normal academic life a significant challenge.
Impact and Student Adaptation
Student representatives are resolute in their demands for the immediate cancellation of the suspension measure and the prompt resumption of all academic activities, encompassing courses, practical work, exams, internships, and research. They reiterated their fundamental position, stating once more, "Les étudiants ne sont pas parties aux confrontations," showing their plea to be allowed to continue their studies without being entangled in the conflict. The academic disruption, now prolonged, has already led to significant challenges and adaptations among the student population. For instance, some medical interns, facing the critical need to complete their practical training, have been compelled to relocate to other cities within the Democratic Republic of Congo. These cities include Kisangani, Beni, or Butembo, where they hope to continue their essential training and avoid further delays in their medical careers. This forced adaptation notes the profound and personal impact of the academic suspensions on individual students, who are making considerable sacrifices to pursue their education amidst the ongoing security concerns and the indefinite halt of academic activities in Goma and Bukavu. The long-term implications of these disruptions on the educational future of thousands of students remain a pressing concern for both the students and the broader community.