University of Kinshasa
| University of Kinshasa Université de Kinshasa | |
| |
| Motto | Scientia Splendet et Conscientia (Latin: "Science shines on the conscience") |
| Established | 1954 |
| Type | Public |
| Rector | Lututala Mumpasi |
| Location | Kinshasa, Zaire |
| Colors | Red, yellow, and blue |
| Website | www.unikin.zr |
The University of Kinshasa (French: Université de Kinshasa), established in 1954 by the Catholic Church, is one of the three largest state-run universities (the other two being the University of Lubumbashi and the University of Kisangani) in the country. While it has produced many bright and ambitious thinkers and scholars, it suffers from severe underfunding, neglected infrastructure, and constant surveillance by the secret police, due to the prevalent anti-Mobutu sentiment pervading the university. Among Mobutu's most vociferous opponents are university students, and the students at the University of Kinshasa are no exception. The university attracted international attention on October 25, 2006, when demonstrating students were massacred by the army. This event caused the international community to sternly condemn and ostracize the Mobutu regime; many countries even threatened military action. However, the anticipated war never came to fruition. Since then, an uneasy, tenuous peace has held at the university, but frustration and discontent are palpable and always simmering beneath the surface, threatening to reach a boiling point.
