Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hasselt University (UHasselt) is bringing two professors back from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for safety. Rising violence, especially from the M23 rebels near Goma, has made travel risky. The university values its partnerships but prioritises staff safety.
Hasselt University, or UHasselt, has worked with the Democratic Republic of Congo for many years. The university has partnerships that focus on teaching and building skills. These projects aim to share knowledge and support development in the area. One project included setting up fibre networks at the University of Kinshasa. UHasselt also has programs with Congolese universities.
Recently, two professors from UHasselt visited the DRC. One professor taught at a local university. The other worked on an educational project. Teachers mentioned that their visits aimed to help improve Congolese schools and strengthen ties with UHasselt. However, due to ongoing problems in the country, especially in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, UHasselt is taking safety precautions for its staff.
What safety measures are UHasselt implementing for professors amid rising conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
UHasselt has asked the two professors to return to Belgium for safety reasons. They are worried about the chance of violence increasing and the difficulty of travelling in the area. Thomas Vandenreyt, a university spokesperson, said they want to make sure their professors can leave safely if the conflict gets worse.
He mentioned that UHasselt cares about the safety of its staff while still wanting to be part of international education. The university is watching the situation closely and wants to help academic growth in the DRC, but future projects may change based on safety.
“We want to avoid that, if the conflict spreads, it will become difficult for our two professors to return.”
Thomas Vandenreyt
Hasselt University is taking steps to keep its staff safe amid the rising conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Thomas Vandenreyt said the professors are safe now, but the situation could change quickly. He explained that they want to avoid a situation where the professors cannot leave.
He mentioned that this choice follows advice from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has urged Belgian citizens in some areas of the DRC to leave while they can. The university still values its international partnerships, but the safety of its staff is the top priority.
“Our professors are not yet aware of the conflict in Congo, says Thomas Vandenreyt. But that can of course change quickly.”
According to authorities, the M23 rebel group has taken control of the city of Goma, which is very important. These rebels, with help from Rwanda, want to move toward the capital, Kinshasa. This has caused more fighting between the Congolese army and the rebels.
They mentioned that many people have been affected, and the area is becoming less stable. Civilians near Goma are struggling to get food and other supplies. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that things may get worse, like problems with flights and foreigners leaving the country. Because of this, UHasselt decided to bring its professors back home to stay safe.
