A major leadership transition has unfolded at the University of Goma (UNIGOM) after the AFC/M23 coalition officially announced a new administrative team to run one of eastern Congo’s most prominent higher learning institutions.
The coalition appointed Prof. Jean Baptiste Kakoma Sakatolo Zambeze as the new Rector of UNIGOM, replacing Prof. Mughanda Muhindo Célestin, who had recently been removed from office.
The decision was formalized through Resolution No. 032/COORDA-PAJD/BB/AFC-M23 dated May 29, 2026. The document was signed by Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Coordinator of AFC/M23 in charge of politics, administration, justice and diplomacy, before being endorsed by coalition leader Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo.
The announcement came only a day after AFC/M23 declared that Prof. Mughanda had been dismissed following what the coalition described as a prolonged absence from his duties at the university.
Alongside the appointment of a new rector, AFC/M23 also unveiled a broader restructuring of the university’s leadership team.
Prof. Richard Kabuyanga Kabuseba was named Secretary General in charge of academics, while Prof. Nzabandora Ndimubanzi was appointed to oversee research activities. Butotima Safari became Secretary General for administration, and Paluku Malisawa was entrusted with managing the institution’s financial affairs.
In the third article of the resolution, AFC/M23 stated that “all previous legal provisions or decisions contrary to this resolution are hereby revoked.”
Implementation of the decision was assigned to the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23.
The University of Goma is considered one of the leading universities operating in Goma, a city currently under AFC/M23 control after the coalition expanded its influence across parts of North Kivu Province.
The latest appointments are seen as part of a wider effort by AFC/M23 to reorganize institutions and reinforce administrative structures in territories under its authority.
Political observers say the move reflects the coalition’s attempt to project governance capacity beyond military operations by asserting control over public administration, education and institutional management.
The leadership overhaul at UNIGOM may also influence the university’s academic direction, administrative functioning and research priorities at a time when eastern Congo continues to face political uncertainty and security challenges.
Students and staff are now watching closely to see whether the newly appointed team will introduce reforms capable of stabilizing and strengthening the institution during a period of continued regional tension.
The changes further highlight how educational institutions have increasingly become central to governance transitions in areas administered by AFC/M23, as political and security dynamics continue reshaping public life in North Kivu.
