42 thousands of secondary school students sat for state exams in rebel-held eastern Congo this week, a complicated logistical feat requiring rare cooperation between the government and M23 rebels.
Tens of thousands of secondary school students in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, now under the control of the M23 rebel group, sat for vital state exams this week—a remarkable logistical achievement made possible through unprecedented cooperation between the national government in Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed rebels.
The exams, essential for university admission, began on June 2 and will run until mid-June. To facilitate them, government education officials personally escorted exam materials from Kinshasa to 111 exam centers across North and South Kivu—territories now under M23 control in a move to ease access amid insecurity, President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration waived the usual exam fee of around $40 for students in both provinces.
Despite being a rebel force, M23 recognized Kinshasa’s jurisdiction over these exams. Their leader emphasized that education should remain “apolitical,” even as the group’s governance ambitions continue. Security for exams was overseen by plain-clothed M23 personnel amid increased vigilance following allegations of the group’s human rights violations, which they deny.
Nearly 42,000 of approximately 44,000 registered students in South Kivu, showed up for the exams. Officials speculated that those who didn’t attend may have been displaced by ongoing conflict. The high turnout highlights both the resilience of local students and the fragile but tangible cooperation between the government and rebels.
This event is set against broader peace efforts: Qatar recently presented a draft proposal to both the Congolese government and M23 rebels, while the U.S. is also mediating talks. Meanwhile, human rights organizations continue to pressure for accountability regarding accusations that M23 executed civilians, including children.
Both U.S. and Armenia have approved a joint statement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity implementation framework, known as TRI...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Greenland’s rejection of U.S. control, responding sharply to remarks by the island’s prime minist...
The Trump administration has released a previously classified legal opinion on Tuesday, setting out its justification for the capture of Venezuelan Pr...
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing prote...
At least 25 people have been killed after a construction crane fell on top of a train in northeast Thailand. The accident took place in the Sikhio dis...
Both U.S. and Armenia have approved a joint statement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity implementation framework, known as TRIPP, following talks in Washington between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 14th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Business and political leaders are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s(WEF) annual meeting as uncertainty over the global economic and political order deepens, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies challenging long-standing international norms.
Real Madrid have parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, appointing former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
The U.S. has issued an urgent security notice calling all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing escalating protests, growing violence and widespread communication shutdowns across the country.
The United Nations’ top court at The Hague has begun hearings on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Gambia told judges on Monday that Myanmar targeted minority Muslim Rohingya for destruction and made their lives a nightmare in a landmark case.
Apple will use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) models for its revamped Siri voice assistant later this year, in a multi-year deal that strengthens the tech giants’ partnership and boosts Alphabet’s position in the race against OpenAI.
President Donald Trump said on Monday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the U.S., as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years.
The Trump administration has released a previously classified legal opinion on Tuesday, setting out its justification for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and U.S. military operations carried out inside Venezuela.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
At least 25 people have been killed after a construction crane fell on top of a train in northeast Thailand. The accident took place in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 kilometres (143 miles) northeast of Bangkok, on a train bound for Ubon Ratchathani province.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 14th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Greenland’s rejection of U.S. control, responding sharply to remarks by the island’s prime minister and signalling continued interest in the Arctic territory.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment