- The DRC government has suspended eleven public universities in the East, a decision rejected by AFC/M23 rebels.
- Kinshasa has also frozen the salaries of 48 staff members accused of collaborating with the rebel movement.
- While awaiting the implementation of the Doha agreement, the AFC/M23 continues to levy taxes and manage administrative services.
Contested suspension of higher education institutions
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered the suspension of activities at eleven public institutions located in Goma and Bukavu, in the east of the country. Simultaneously, Kinshasa has frozen the salaries of forty-eight administrative and academic staff members, accused of pledging allegiance to or accepting roles under the authority of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the coalition associated with the M23 rebellion. In response, the rebel movement described the decision as null and void and invited the affected universities to continue their classes as normal. The AFC/M23 leadership has pledged to provide financial support to the staff affected by the state-ordered salary suspension.
A conflict of sovereignty in eastern DRC
This confrontation illustrates the direct struggle for influence between the two parties on the ground, where the rebel administration is gradually replacing state services. In the areas it controls, the armed group collects monthly taxes from households, appoints magistrates, and manages national land issues. Although the Doha framework agreement provides for the full restoration of state authority, the practical details and the timetable for this reinstatement remain to be negotiated. In the absence of a finalised implementation protocol, Kinshasa and the rebellion continue to issue competing instructions to the same institutions.
