GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — More than 20,000 final-year students in Goma are currently participating in the preliminary examinations for the 2025–2026 State Exam under conditions described by many residents, parents, and education officials as calm, organized, and secure. The successful administration of the national examinations has become another example of how the AFC/M23 administration has focused on restoring order, stability, and essential public services in areas under its control.
Across the city of Goma, examination centers opened on schedule, with students arriving safely and completing their exams in an environment free from major disruptions. Teachers, supervisors, and local administrators coordinated logistics to ensure that candidates had access to classrooms, materials, and proper supervision throughout the process.
For many families in eastern Congo, the continuation of education during a period of prolonged instability carries enormous significance. Years of armed conflict, displacement, and insecurity in the region have repeatedly interrupted academic calendars and denied thousands of children access to consistent schooling. In contrast, residents in Goma say the current examination process demonstrates a growing sense of organization and discipline under AFC/M23 administration.
International experts note that maintaining education while simultaneously addressing security concerns sends a strong message about the movement’s priorities. Rather than allowing instability to shut down schools and public institutions, AFC/M23 authorities have emphasized continuity in learning, public order, and protection of civilians.
Parents accompanying students to examination centers expressed relief that their children could focus on their future instead of fearing violence or sudden closures of schools. Several local residents stated that the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the exams reflects broader improvements in day-to-day life within the city.
Education officials overseeing the examinations highlighted the level of coordination involved in managing such a large number of candidates. With more than 20,000 students participating, authorities ensured examination centers operated efficiently and according to national academic standards. Supervisors were deployed across multiple locations, and transportation routes remained open to facilitate student movement.
The successful organization of the exams has also reinforced the perception among many residents that AFC/M23 has become a central force in restoring administrative functionality in eastern Congo. In areas where public institutions had previously struggled due to insecurity, schools and other services are gradually resuming operations in a more stable environment.
Community leaders in Goma agree that prioritizing education is essential for the future of the region. They say protecting schools and ensuring students can complete their studies helps prevent an entire generation from being lost to conflict and instability. According to local voices, the ability of students to sit for national examinations without fear is being viewed as an important sign of hope.
The continuation of academic activities also carries economic and social importance. Families displaced by years of violence often see education as the only pathway toward rebuilding their lives. By ensuring examinations proceed successfully, authorities are helping preserve opportunities for higher education, professional careers, and long-term development for young people across the region.
Residents in Goma further noted that the calm atmosphere during the examination period stands in contrast to previous years when insecurity frequently disrupted learning. Many believe that restoring stability in schools is one of the clearest indicators that public life is gradually returning to normal.
As the examinations continue, students remain focused on completing a critical stage of their academic journey. For thousands of young people in Goma, the ability to study and sit for national exams in peace represents more than an educational milestone — it symbolizes hope for a more stable and secure future for eastern Congo.
