Back to school 2025-2026: The government reaffirms its commitment to funding teachers' operating costs, salaries and bonuses

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa expressed her satisfaction with the smooth and successful start of the 2025–2026 school year across the entire country. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue funding school operating costs, as well as salaries and bonuses related to the effective implementation of free primary education.

The head of government made this announcement during the cabinet meeting held in Kinshasa on Friday, September 5, 2025, in the presence of the Head of State.

"All 60 educational provinces in our country have experienced a relatively smooth start to the school year. It should be noted, however, that there have been some disruptions in certain parts of South Kivu and Lower Uélé provinces, as well as in North Kivu province, in Goma, where the school year has also begun. This is occurring despite the imposition, by the occupiers of the M23/AFC/RDF coalition, of school fees in public primary education—a measure disapproved of by parents," the Prime Minister stated.

These incidents highlight the persistent challenges facing the education system, due to the insecurity caused by the armed conflict, which has negative impacts on children’s education.

Given this situation, the head of government emphasized that the government remains attentive to the concerns raised in the education subsector.

To ensure effective monitoring of the government’s commitments, a process to develop a roadmap is currently underway. This initiative aims to ensure the smooth implementation of public policies and to meet teachers’ expectations.

Célestin Zeula