Over 1.1 million schoolchildren in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are affected by the conflict, leading to the closure of 2,594 schools amid escalating violence from M23 rebels. The Ministry of Education expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of students and teachers, as many schools have been destroyed or converted for military use. The ongoing crisis has resulted in thousands of deaths this year, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has severely affected the educational landscape, leading to the closure of 2,594 schools. Authorities reported that 1,483 of these closures are located in North Kivu province and 1,111 in South Kivu province, impacting over 1.1 million schoolchildren. The recent offensive by M23 rebels against government forces has exacerbated this crisis.
The Ministry of Education acknowledged the challenges in resuming school activities, citing safety concerns for students and educators due to explosive devices. Many educational institutions have not only been bombed or destroyed but also repurposed as military bases by armed factions. The ministry emphasized, “By targeting students and schools, this war is also a war on our future.”
Notably, the gravity of the situation is highlighted by instances where schools have been converted into cemeteries, illustrating the dire circumstances within conflict-affected regions. The M23 group has gained significant ground since December, capturing key provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu.
This year alone, the conflict has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities, as reported by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to the UN Human Rights Council. The urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis within the educational sector remains paramount.
The conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo poses a significant threat to educational stability, with thousands of schools closed and considerable numbers of children affected. As violence escalates, the implications for the future of education in the region become increasingly worrisome, necessitating urgent intervention and support to restore safety and access to schooling for children.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
