DR Congo halts universities in M23-held cities

DR Congo has ordered public universities in the M23-controlled eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu to suspend academic activities until further notice.

The higher education ministry issued the decree on Wednesday, saying the move was needed to prevent academic work from taking place outside the legal and institutional framework.

Earlier this month, Congolese authorities criticised what they called “illegal” M23 appointments to management committees at several universities in areas under the armed group’s control.

An M23 official later said on X that a system was being set up to allow students to continue their studies.

The M23 has seized large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu since 2021, including Goma and Bukavu early last year. AFP describes the group as backed by Rwanda.

Eastern DR Congo has faced more than three decades of conflict involving many armed groups. On Sunday, Switzerland said DR Congo and M23 had agreed on a roadmap for peace talks after negotiations in Switzerland.