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The University of Goma extends its warm congratulations to Hélène Nzabandora, a teaching assistant in sociology, who has just obtained her DEA (Diploma of Advanced Studies) with great distinction, this Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Official University of Bukavu.

This academic success is part of the program "Fund for the Promotion and Academic Succession," an initiative of the management committee of the University of Goma, led by Professor Ordinary Muhindo Mughanda, launched in 2023, with the aim of supporting the advanced training of the scientific body. Thanks to this program, 20 university teachers have benefited from a scholarship of 1,500 dollars each to pursue their higher studies and strengthen scientific succession within the institution. Hélène Nzabandora is one of the beneficiaries selected through a competitive process.

In her DEA thesis titled "Internal Migrations and Spatial Occupation Dynamics by Ethnic Groups in the City of Goma: A Sociological Reading of Integration and Social Cohesion Issues," Hélène Nzabandora analyzes the factors that explain population movements to the city of Goma and their social implications.

Her survey reveals that war and insecurity are the main reasons for migration to Goma, a factor cited by 29% of respondents. These results align with analyses from the International Organization for Migration, whose several reports indicate that population displacements in eastern DRC are predominantly forced migrations related to violence and instability.

The study also highlights other significant motivations, including the search for a perceived easier life (19%) and access to basic services such as education and employment (16%). These results continue the analyses of urban sociology, which consider African cities as poles of attraction and opportunities for rural populations and internally displaced persons.

Furthermore, the research findings show that the main factor in choosing a residential neighborhood is the presence of family members already settled, cited by 33% of respondents. This observation confirms the importance of social and family networks in urban settlement dynamics, a reality also emphasized in the work of sociologist Florence Boyer on urbanization in Africa.

The statistical analysis conducted in the study reveals significant links between the place of origin and the reasons for choosing the residential neighborhood (p=0.001), revealing specific motivations based on the migrants' areas of origin.

Beyond these results, the research emphasizes that spatial occupation in the city of Goma can also be perceived as a strategy for identity security in a complex urban environment sometimes marked by social tensions. In this perspective, the study recommends promoting mixed cohabitation spaces as well as increased involvement of local authorities and community leaders in interethnic mediation mechanisms to strengthen integration and social cohesion.

Through this success, the University of Goma renews its commitment to support the training and academic excellence of its teachers. The Fund for the Promotion and Academic Succession serves as a strategic tool to accompany the skill enhancement of academic staff and encourage scientific production.

In warmly congratulating Hélène Nzabandora for this remarkable academic journey, the university aims to sustainably enhance the quality of teaching and research within the institution through the Fund for the Promotion and Academic Succession. It thus encourages young assistants and teachers who aspire to continue their academic careers but face financial constraints to be ready and not hesitate to apply during the upcoming calls for applications. Through this initiative, the University of Goma wishes to support the emergence of a new generation of researchers engaged in knowledge production and societal development.