The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has closed 2,594 schools, impacting over 1.1 million children. Violence from M23 rebels in North and South Kivu provinces has created significant safety concerns and led to severe disruptions in education. More than 7,000 fatalities have been recorded this year due to the fighting, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has severely disrupted education, with over 1 million children affected. The country’s Education Ministry has reported the closure of 2,594 schools due to escalating violence from M23 rebels in the provinces of North and South Kivu. Specifically, North Kivu has seen 1,483 school closures, while South Kivu has 1,111, further complicating the resumption of educational activities.
Concerns regarding student and teacher safety have arisen due to the presence of explosive devices in several schools. In this tumultuous environment, many schools have either been bombed, completely destroyed, or repurposed as military bases by armed groups. The Ministry further highlighted the tragic reality that a school has been transformed into a cemetery, symbolizing the severe impact of the conflict on education.
The M23 rebel group has enhanced its territorial grip in eastern Congo since December, having seized key provincial capitals including Goma and Bukavu. This ongoing violence has not only devastated the education system but has also claimed the lives of over 7,000 individuals this year, according to Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, who addressed the UN Human Rights Council regarding the situation.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to a disturbing humanitarian crisis, specifically impacting the education of more than 1 million children. With thousands of schools closed and safety concerns rising, the future of these children remains precarious amid ongoing violence from armed groups. Immediate attention and action are essential to address the educational and humanitarian needs of the affected populations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
