### The reactivation of teachers’ salaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a call to social justice
On May 14, 2025 in Kinshasa, teachers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) organized an event to claim the reactivation of their pay, which has been deactivated since 2023. This event, orchestrated by the union council for the emergence of national education workers (COSET/National Education), highlights a complex problem which overflows the framework of simple remuneration. He raises profound questions about human resources management in a vital sector: education.
### a precarious context
The testimonies collected during the demonstration reveal a palpable distress among the teachers concerned. Charming Luyi, president of the COSET of the municipal regrouping of Lukunga, spoke of the difficulties not only encountered by deactivated teachers, but also the new units and non-paids which, despite years of service since 2017, have not been integrated into the remuneration system. This paradox is all the more acerbic in a country where the role of teachers is crucial for the future of future generations. What are the reasons that led to this situation?
### Administrative issues
The statements of union representatives highlight a series of administrative dysfunctions. According to Meliés Ndelo, president of the union council, deactivation of wages without formal notification constitutes a violation of the rights of teachers, incompatible with the standards of transparency and justice. This leads to wondering if the control structures, such as the National Directorate to Control the Pay of Teachers (Dinacope), are adequately prepared to deal with the challenges of the effectiveness of payments to educational staff.
It is important to consider the possible causes of this situation. It could be a combination of factors such as budgetary constraints, bureaucratic dysfunctions or a lack of coordination between the various ministries concerned. It would be relevant to explore these tracks in order to understand how to avoid the recurrence of such injustices.
### Inadequate answers
The absence of concrete solutions after this meeting with the Minister of State raises questions about the ability of institutions to answer the legitimate demands of teachers. Although the situation of deactivated teachers is not entirely isolated, it reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction within the educational body in the DRC. The suggestion that an inter -ministerial commission will take care of these concerns without teachers having the possibility of participating in question on the inclusiveness and representativeness of these discussions.
### Call for action
That said, the appeal of the President of the union council to the President of the Republic so that he intervenes as a guarantor of institutions is a gesture of last resort, but also an alarm signal. It is not only a salary problem that is at stake, but also a question of social equity and recognition of the teacher profession, a fundamental pillar for the development of a country.
### In search of sustainable solutions
Faced with this crisis, several tracks can be envisaged to create a constructive dialogue between teachers and authorities. An improvement in communication and information mechanisms between state agents and unions could allow better transparency. In addition, technological solutions could be applied to facilitate the monitoring and management of payrolls, while respecting workers’ rights to receive a clear and detailed notification in the event of deactivation of their salary.
### Conclusion
Beyond the immediate claims, this situation calls for a deep reflection on the education system and the way in which it is funded and managed. Education is a right, and guaranteeing teachers’ salary is the first step to ensure the quality of education in the DRC. There are many challenges, but it is in dialogue and cooperation between all the stakeholders that the hope of a favorable outcome resides. How long will teachers have to wait to see their rights respected and heard? The future of education in the DRC depends on it.