In the DRC, the 2024-2025 state examinations session began on July 28, 2025, mobilizing 23,477 finalists in South Kivu 2, despite a fragile security context. In Uvira and Baraka, the launch ceremonies, presided over by provincial authorities, underlined the importance of discipline and peace for the success of the examinations. These exams mark a decisive milestone for the future of young Congolese.

The ordinary session of the 2024-2025 state examinations was officially launched on Monday, July 28, 2025 across the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite a security situation that remains fragile in certain regions of the East, the South Kivu 2 educational province is meeting the challenge with a total of 23,477 finalists, including 9,531 girls and 13,946 boys, distributed across 75 examination centers, both in the DRC and abroad.

In the city of Uvira, the official launch ceremony took place at the Olive Lembe Professional Technical Institute in Kasenga, located in Mulongwe commune. It was presided over by the Governor of the province, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, accompanied by Raphaël Mwenebamba Witangila, Deputy Inspector General of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST), who came especially from Kinshasa for the occasion.

Speaking, Raphaël Mwenebamba Witangila reminded the finalists of the importance of seriousness and respect for instructions during these decisive examinations. He particularly stressed the correct use of the 14 digits identifying each candidate, a key element for validation of results.

For his part, Governor Purusi Sadiki exhorted the students to show concentration, discipline and rigor to succeed. "Well done work is the only path to freedom and fulfillment," he declared with conviction, while encouraging the finalists to embody "the hope of tomorrow's Congo."

Peace, security and education: an inseparable trio

The Governor took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Head of State in restoring peace in the region. He paid a vibrant tribute to FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Wazalendo elements for their role in securing the southern part of the province, thus allowing the examinations to proceed smoothly.

"The context remains fragile, but thanks to the commitment of our defense forces and the collaboration of the population, our children can take these examinations in complete peace of mind," he stressed. He also called on the finalists to support the efforts of political-administrative and security authorities to consolidate lasting peace in South Kivu.

In Baraka, a launch under the sign of proximity

In Baraka, the capital of the South Kivu 2 educational province, the launch ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Catherine Balemba Cijanga, Provincial Minister in charge of Education. This choice reflects the proximity management advocated by the provincial government under the direction of Governor Purusi.

This session of state examinations represents a crucial moment for thousands of young Congolese, marking the end of their secondary education and the beginning of their path toward higher education or professional life. Throughout the country, eyes are on these finalists, bearers of hope for the future of the DRC.

Joséphine Mungubi