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.
 

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