As the conflict between the M3 rebels and the Congolese army persists in the eastern region, the DR Congo government has mandated open and distance learning in public and private universities. The decision was formalized on February 6, via a decree signed by Higher Education Minister Marie-Thérèse Sombo. It took effect the same day.

“Open and distance learning constitutes a mode of teaching accessible to all and it doesn’t in-person teaching,” the decree reads. “It leverages information and communication technologies (ICT) to provide educational content, carry out learning activities, and conduct exams.”

At the Council of Ministers meeting on February 7, Minister Sombo presented distance learning as a “suitable solution for ensuring the continuity of courses despite the Rwandan aggression.”

However, implementing this approach requires urgent action, including deploying digital platforms for online courses, helping teachers and students to appropriate digital tools, and establishing partnerships to strengthen digital training and infrastructure. Safe learning centers should also be set up.

A major barrier to the e-learning project could be power disruption in the eastern region, as many power facilities have been damaged. This threatens the supply chain; a situation that could make running e-learning platforms harder. Internet connection quality, essential for e-learning, also poses a challenge.

The Congolese authorities said they would set up a special commission to oversee the e-learning project to ensure adaptation to local realities and challenges from instability in certain provinces. The commission will also monitor and evaluate the impact of the measures, adjusting the strategy as needed.

While primarily an emergency response, the project could birth a more modern education system in the DRC. Increased use of digital technology could strengthen the sector's resilience and promote wider access to education, particularly in remote or conflict-affected areas.

This article was initially published in French by Olivier de Souza

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho