GOMA, North Kivu — The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced significant leadership changes at the University of Goma (UNIGOM), including the dismissal of the institution’s rector and the appointment of a new management team.
According to official documents issued in Goma on May 28 and May 29, 2026, AFC/M23 authorities notified Professor Muhindo Mughanda, the Rector of the University of Goma, that his tenure had been terminated. The notification states that the decision was based on allegations of prolonged absence from duty without prior authorization, failure to respond to requests from supervisory authorities, and concerns related to administrative and financial management raised during a recent institutional review.
The letter, signed by Professor Freddy R. Kaniki, Deputy Coordinator of AFC/M23, informed the outgoing rector that his dismissal would take effect immediately upon receipt of the notification.
A subsequent decision issued by the AFC Political Coordination Office announced the appointment of a new leadership team for the university. Under the new arrangement, Professor Jean Baptiste Kakoma Sakatolo Zambeze was designated as the new Rector of the University of Goma.
The newly appointed management committee also includes:
- Professor Richard Kabuyanga Kabuseba as Academic Secretary General.
- Professor Nzabandora Ndimubanzi as Director of Research.
- Chief of Works Butotima Safari as Administrative Secretary General.
- Chief of Works Paluku Malisawa as Budget Administrator.
The decision cites legal and administrative provisions governing higher education institutions in the East Democratic Republic of Congo and states that the appointments were made to ensure continued management and operation of the university.
The documents were signed by AFC/M23 officials, including Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Coordinator responsible for political, administrative, judicial, and diplomatic affairs, and received approval from Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the political coordinator of AFC/M23.
The University of Goma is one of the leading higher education institutions in North Kivu Province. The leadership changes come as AFC/M23 continues to exercise administrative authority in areas under its control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The appointments are expected to take effect immediately as AFC/M23 seeks to maintain educational and administrative services in the region.
The development highlights the ongoing efforts by AFC/M23 authorities to manage public institutions in territories under their administration while broader political, diplomacy and security discussions concerning eastern Congo continue.
