After the Bank Closures: Kinshasa Deepens Its Blockade Against Swahili-Speaking Populations in the East

Following the closure of banks and regular bombardments, the Congolese government has taken another step toward the balkanization of the country while maintaining a criminal blockade on the Swahili-speaking East.

Indeed, in a decision issued on August 20, 2026, the Congolese government through the Minister of Higher and University Education enacted two major measures: the first suspends and removes several professors, senior lecturers, and assistants from the payroll across the two Kivus, while the second suspends the activities of universities and higher education institutes in those same provinces.

These heavy-handed decisions further expose the profound unconsciousness and recklessness characterizing the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who have opted for a policy of marginalization and discrimination against the populations of the Swahili-speaking East.

​It is worth noting that, immediately following the fall of Goma and Bukavu, Kinshasa moved to paralyze the region’s economy by shutting down banks, thereby inflicting collective punishment on the inhabitants of the area. Furthermore, many residents face immense hurdles in obtaining passports, as they are routinely suspected of and conflated with Rwanda. Some have even been publicly stoned or lost their employment.

Jeopardizing the future of an entire generation is a crime comparable to genocide. Today, it has become evident that President Félix Tshisekedi is pursuing a strategy aimed at marginalizing the eastern region of the DRC.

​A Similar Situation in Katanga

In Katanga, the local population is enduring unprecedented colonization. A policy of domination, persecution, looting, and repression has been implemented, accompanied by a planned exodus of populations from Kasaï into Katanga to quash any indigenous dissent.

Mining operations, subcontracting firms, the transport sector, and numerous other domains are systematically dominated and monopolized by members of the Head of State's ethnic group. Those who dare to raise their voices are either killed, forced into exile, or imprisoned.

In the face of this crisis, the leadership of the AFC/M23 is confronted with its responsibilities, its oath to serve and defend the people, and the urgent need to take all necessary measures to counteract Kinshasa's irresponsibility.