Professors from public universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo staged a sit-in in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday to demand a direct meeting with the Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa Tuluka.

According to sources close to the delegation, the professors declined the offer of a meeting with the deputy head of cabinet of the head of government, arguing that only a deputy prime minister could represent the prime minister under the order of precedence.

This action is part of the persistent demands of the academic body for an improvement in their salary conditions, the honoring of commitments made by the government and the effective implementation of certain promised reforms.

For several weeks now, the teachers’ associations have been exerting pressure in an attempt to obtain a frank dialogue with the country’s highest authorities. Their categorical refusal to talk to a member of the Prime Minister’s office reflects their desire to raise their voice and obtain political answers at the highest level.

No official reaction from the government has yet been received.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma