The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have dismissed Professor Muhindo Mughanda as Rector of the University of Goma (UNIGOM) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, accusing him of absenteeism and misappropriation of funds. Professor Mughanda, who has headed the institution for the past six years, was removed from office with immediate effect, according to a statement issued on Friday evening and signed by Professor Freddy Kaniki, the Deputy Coordinator of M23/AFC.
The University of Goma is one of the major public higher education institutions in North Kivu Province and is located in Goma City, which is currently under the control of the M23/AFC rebels. According to the statement, Mughanda is accused of being absent from his duty station without prior authorization from his superiors, contrary to legal requirements.
The rebels further alleged that despite being invited to respond to accusations against him, he failed to appear and did not provide explanations regarding allegations of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds identified during a recent institutional viability assessment.
In a separate joint statement issued the same day, M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa and AFC Coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo announced Mughanda’s dismissal and the appointment of Professor Jean-Baptiste Kakoma Sakatolo Zambeze as the new Rector of the university.
The statement also announced several other appointments within the university administration. Professor Richard Kabuyanga Kabuseba was named Secretary General in charge of Academic Affairs, while Professor Nzabandora Ndimubanzi was appointed Secretary General in charge of Research.
Butotima Safari was appointed Secretary General in charge of Administration, and Paluku Malisawa was named Chief of Budget and Administration. Professor Mughanda had not publicly responded to the allegations or his dismissal by the time of publication. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo had also not commented on the action taken by the rebels.
M23/AFC, which resurged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Congolese government. The government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel group, allegations that have been denied by both Kigali and M23.
The rebel movement says its mission is to combat corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political system. In early 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and intensifying concerns about regional instability-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
