Academic Activities Suspended in 11 Public Universities in M23/AFC Controlled Areas

Academic and para-academic activities have been suspended until further notice in 11 public higher education institutions located in Goma and Bukavu. The decision, announced by the Minister of Higher and University Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna Marie-Thérèse, stems from the "particularly worrying security situation" in these cities, which are currently under the control of the M23/AFC. The suspension affects the 2026-2027 academic year, including student inscriptions, re-inscriptions, teaching, evaluations, and deliberations. The government cited the need to ensure the safety of students and staff, as well as the integrity of academic credentials issued in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Goma, the affected institutions include the University of Goma (UNIGOM), the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISC-Goma), the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques (ISTM-Goma), the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques (ISTA-Goma), and the Higher Pedagogical Institute (ISP-Goma). Six institutions in Bukavu are also impacted: the Official University of Bukavu (UOB), ISC-Bukavu, ISTM-Bukavu, ISP-Bukavu, the Higher Institute of Rural Development (ISDR-Bukavu), and the Higher Institute of Administration and Management (ISAM-Bukavu). However, the ministerial decree makes an exception for final-year students from the 2025-2026 academic year whose courses could not be completed. These students are permitted to take their evaluations or finish necessary academic activities at public or private institutions legally established or constituted by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government stated it is continuously monitoring the security situation to resume academic activities when conditions permit.

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the particularly worrying security situation