Lecturer suspended after allegations of sexual misconduct

A lecturer from the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was suspended for allegedly raping and sexually harassing a female student from the university.

The alleged perpetrator was a lecturer in economic sciences and management at the university’s faculty of economic sciences and management. The university management claims that the accused was found in a hotel with a first-year student.

According to Professor Gilbert Kishiba Fitula, rector of the University of Lubumbashi, the academic is suspected of gross misconduct and should no longer be part of the staff in charge of providing education to the students. The university’s legal team and management met on 19 February 2024 to analyse the allegations before deciding to suspend the suspect.

Fitula said the suspect was caught with a young woman student in a hotel and arrested on 10 January 2024 by police. He was later released on bail and investigations are ongoing, according to reports.

Behaviour undermines good morals

According to a letter signed by Fitula, legal counsel assessed the victim’s allegations and resolved that the lecturer be suspended.

“He is suspected of a serious breach of his professional obligations by [allegedly] raping and sexually harassing a year-1 female student,” the letter reads. It is dated 19 January 2024, and University World News has a copy. The university management further said the legal team will engage with the police and security concerning the case.

“Thus, the lecturer has been suspended from all his functions at the University of Lubumbashi. This is to discourage behaviour which undermines good morals and the brand image of our university,” the letter reads.

Victims should be protected from stigma

Activists have called for victims to be protected to avoid being stigmatised. More awareness is also needed about the sexual and reproductive rights of women. 

“We encourage all the victims of rape and sexual harassment to break the silence and report any cases they encounter,” said Richine Masengu, who serves as the executive director of Si Jeunesse Savait [‘If Young Women Only Knew’ in French] in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organisation, created in 2001, advocates for the rights of women and young people.

“We also ask academics and administrators to engage in this fight, because sexual harassment tarnishes the image of the country’s universities and higher institutes. All the lawbreakers should be brought to book,” Masengu added.

This news report has been translated from the French by Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti.