The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended learning activities across all institutions of higher learning operating within AFC/M23-controlled regions. The suspension has disrupted learning across North and South Kivu provinces.

The directive issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovations has suspended teaching, examinations, registration and any other activities linked to the awarding of degrees.

The disruption to the academic calendar comes at a time when banking services around Goma have also been discontinued following the region’s takeover by the AFC/M23 rebel movement. The DRC government has expressed concerns over the safety of learners amid the continued stalemate in efforts to find a lasting peace deal between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government forces, FARDC.

The government’s directive to suspend learning in regions controlled by AFC/M23 has been contested by the group’s Deputy Coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa. Bisimwa argued that political and military differences between the government and the group should not be used as an excuse to interrupt learning activities across the affected areas.

The AFC/M23 movement has accused the government of interfering with the learning process, arguing that education should not be dragged into their political differences. The suspension follows a move by the rebel movement to install new management committees across several institutions of higher learning in Bukavu.

Although the rebel movement argued that the changes were aimed at improving the management of higher learning institutions, the government opposed the move, citing security concerns. The volatile security situation has disrupted service delivery across various regions in eastern DR Congo despite ongoing Doha peace talks.

The latest disruption adds to the long-running challenges facing education in eastern DR Congo, where years of armed conflict have repeatedly affected schools and universities.

Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has continued for decades, with armed groups and political forces contributing to instability in different periods since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

The ongoing conflict involving AFC/M23 has emerged as one of the major security challenges facing eastern DR Congo, with North and South Kivu among the areas most affected by the fighting and instability.