Over 1.1 million schoolchildren in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are affected by the closure of 2,594 schools due to escalating violence from M23 rebels. The Education Ministry reports that schools have been targeted, resulting in safety concerns and a significant impact on education in the region. The conflict has claimed over 7,000 lives this year alone, highlighting a dire humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, notably from M23 rebels, has led to the closure of 2,594 schools, as reported by government authorities. The Education Ministry stated that 1,483 schools in North Kivu and 1,111 in South Kivu have shut down, impacting 1.1 million children. Safety concerns have made resuming school activities challenging due to explosive devices reported in some educational facilities.
The ministry further revealed the dire situation, highlighting that many schools have been bombed, destroyed, or repurposed into military bases by armed groups. Additionally, it condemned the violence against education, stating, “By targeting students and schools, this war is also a war on our future.” The declaration included a tragic note about a school being converted into a cemetery, underscoring the severe consequences of conflict on education.
The M23 group has escalated its territorial advances since December, capturing key provincial capitals including Goma and Bukavu. In 2023 alone, fighting has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities, as announced by Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to the UN Human Rights Council, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
The impact of the conflict on education in the region is catastrophic, compromising the future of an entire generation of schoolchildren. Resolute action is imperative to address these challenges and restore access to safe education in eastern Congo.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has severely disrupted education, with over 1.1 million children affected by the closure of nearly 2,600 schools due to violence. The educational infrastructure is being targeted, resulting in devastating consequences for the future of the region’s youth. Immediate efforts are needed to ensure the safety and continuity of schooling in this war-torn area.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
