AFC/M23 School Fees DRC: Sesanga Demands Immediate Halt

• Delly Sesanga has called for the withdrawal of school fees imposed by the AFC/M23 on students in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The 2026-2027 school year began on September 1, 2026, across the DRC.
• Sesanga defends the principle of free public primary education as a crucial social achievement.
• The imposition of fees by non-state actors directly contradicts national education laws and human rights principles in the DRC.

Lawyers advising such entities must closely monitor the legal ramifications and human rights implications arising from non-state actors imposing school fees.

The Democratic Republic of Congo commenced its 2026-2027 academic year nationwide on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. However, this period has been marked by controversy surrounding the imposition of school fees by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the M23 rebel group on students in areas under their control. This action directly contradicts national educational policies and has drawn sharp criticism from prominent political figures.

Delly Sesanga, an opposition leader and former national deputy in Congolese politics, has publicly demanded the immediate cessation and withdrawal of these `AFC/M23 school fees DRC`. Sesanga's intervention highlights a critical challenge to the country's educational framework, particularly in regions affected by conflict where non-state actors exert influence over public services. His call underscores the urgency of addressing practices that undermine the state's authority and the rights of its citizens.

Sesanga's advocacy is rooted in the principle of free public primary education, a cornerstone of the DRC's social policy. He views this `gratuité enseignement primaire RDC` not merely as a governmental directive but as a fundamental social achievement that must be safeguarded against any attempts to dismantle it. The imposition of fees by armed groups represents a direct threat to this established right, impacting access to education for countless children.

The `droit à l’éducation RDC` is enshrined in national laws and international conventions to which the Democratic Republic of Congo is a signatory. The policy of free public primary education, specifically, aims to remove financial barriers that often prevent children from attending school, thereby promoting universal access to learning opportunities across the country. This policy is a significant step towards fulfilling the state's obligation to provide education for all its citizens.

The actions of the AFC/M23 in levying `AFC/M23 school fees DRC` directly contravene this established `loi éducation Congo` and the broader human rights framework. Such impositions by non-state armed groups not only create financial burdens for families but also introduce an element of instability and uncertainty into the educational system. This situation complicates efforts to ensure consistent and equitable access to schooling, particularly in already vulnerable `conflit RDC frais scolaires` zones.

Delly Sesanga's strong defense of the `gratuité enseignement primaire RDC` as an inviolable social gain emphasizes the legal and moral imperative for all actors, including non-state entities, to respect national laws and the fundamental rights of children. His stance reinforces the idea that education should remain accessible and free from arbitrary charges, regardless of the prevailing security or political landscape.

The ongoing issue of `AFC/M23 school fees DRC` carries significant implications for the Democratic Republic of Congo's national sovereignty and its adherence to international human rights obligations. When non-state actors impose their own financial regulations on public services like education, it challenges the authority of the legitimate government and undermines the uniform application of national laws across the territory. This creates a fragmented system where access to fundamental rights, such as the `droit à l’éducation RDC`, becomes contingent on geographical location and the whims of armed groups.

For organizations operating within the DRC, particularly in conflict-affected areas, this situation presents complex compliance challenges. Lawyers advising such entities must closely monitor the legal ramifications and human rights implications arising from non-state actors imposing school fees. These actions directly impact compliance with national education laws and international human rights obligations, necessitating careful navigation to avoid complicity or inadvertent support for illegal practices. The `conflit RDC frais scolaires` highlights the broader struggle for governance and the protection of civilian rights in volatile regions.

Delly Sesanga's firm position against these fees, advocating for the preservation of free public primary education, underscores the critical importance of upholding national policies and international standards even amidst conflict. His call serves as a reminder that the `gratuité enseignement primaire RDC` is a vital social achievement that must be protected to ensure the future well-being and development of Congolese children, irrespective of the challenges posed by armed groups like the M23.

Lawyers advising organizations operating in DRC, particularly in conflict zones, should monitor the legal challenges and human rights implications of non-state actors imposing school fees, as this impacts compliance with national education laws and international human rights obligations.

Source: Original reporting via PMaki