Answer · confidence: partial

Would a ceasefire reopen schools, markets and clinics in Goma and Bukavu?

Research question: What would a ceasefire actually change for civilians in Goma and Bukavu, such as whether markets, schools, roads and clinics reopen and whether people can return home?

The verified facts show that eight African states called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the DRC at a Dar es Salaam summit ¹. The facts cover only university suspensions and do not address markets, roads, clinics, or whether people can return home ¹³. For schools, a ministerial order of 20 August suspends academic activities at eleven public institutions in Goma and Bukavu until further notice ³, and the government says reopening depends on a return to normalization ⁵⁶. The newest fact is dated 28 August 2026, about five to six weeks before October 2026, so later developments are not reflected ⁵⁶.

Checked 2026-10-21. Only documented and supported facts are used.

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Sources

[1] supported

Leaders of eight African states called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the DRC at a summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

"At a recent summit in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, leaders of eight African states released a statement calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)."

M23’s capture of Goma is the latest chapter in eastern Congo’s long-running war (2025)

[2] supported

The government says the suspension of academic activities in Goma and Bukavu is a targeted, temporary measure and not a general closure of higher education, and the institutions can be reassessed as security conditions change.

"Les établissements concernés pourront faire l’objet d’une réévaluation en fonction de l’évolution de la situation sécuritaire, du rétablissement de la légalité institutionnelle et des conditions permettant leur fonctionnement régulier."

Suspension académique à Goma et Bukavu : le gouvernement précise, la ...

[3] supported

A ministerial order of 20 August suspends academic activities at eleven public institutions in Goma and Bukavu until further notice, covering the 2026-2027 academic year.

"L’arrêté ministériel du 20 août suspend jusqu’à nouvel ordre les activités académiques et par-académiques dans onze établissements publics de Goma et Bukavu, pour l’année académique 2026-2027."

Suspension académique à Goma et Bukavu : le gouvernement précise, la ...

[4] supported

The Bukavu youth council warns that the suspension affects more than 25,000 students at public institutions.

"la structure alerte sur les conséquences pour plus de 25 000 étudiants des institutions publiques."

Suspension académique à Goma et Bukavu : le gouvernement précise, la ...

[5] supported

Reopening academic and para-academic activities at the eleven public institutions in Goma and Bukavu depends on a return to normalization of the situation.

"La reprise des activités académiques et para-académiques dans les onze établissements publics de Goma et de Bukavu, suspendues pour l’année académique 2026-2027, dépendra d’un retour à la normalisation de la situation."

RDC : le Gouvernement conditionne la réouverture de 11 établissements publics de Goma et Bukavu au rétablissement de la situation

[6] supported

The Secretary General said only a move toward normalization would allow officials to assess whether to lift the measures and consider resuming activities.

"« Seule une évolution vers la normalisation permettra d’évaluer l’opportunité d’une levée de ces mesures et d’envisager la reprise des activités académiques et para-académiques »"

RDC : le Gouvernement conditionne la réouverture de 11 établissements publics de Goma et Bukavu au rétablissement de la situation

[7] supported

The Kinshasa order suspends registrations, teaching, evaluations and degree-related activity at public universities in M23-controlled areas of Goma and Bukavu for the 2026-2027 academic year, until further notice.

"The suspension is comprehensive. Registrations, re-registrations, teaching, evaluations, deliberations and any other activity that could lead to the awarding of degrees are covered, for the 2026-2027 academic year and until further notice."

Kinshasa Shuts the Universities It No Longer Controls

[8] supported

The ministerial order suspends academic activities but does not close the institutions.

"L’administration de l’ESU insiste sur le fait que l’arrêté ministériel ne porte pas sur la fermeture des établissements, mais sur la suspension temporaire des activités académiques."

RDC : le Gouvernement conditionne la réouverture de 11 établissements publics de Goma et Bukavu au rétablissement de la situation

[9] supported

Goma and Bukavu are under AFC-M23 control, with five affected institutions in Goma and six in Bukavu.

"À Goma, cinq établissements sont concernés, tandis que six autres le sont à Bukavu."

RDC : le Gouvernement conditionne la réouverture de 11 établissements publics de Goma et Bukavu au rétablissement de la situation