In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict has led to the closure of 2,594 schools in North and South Kivu, impacting 1.1 million children. The escalation of violence from M23 rebels has made resuming school activities extremely difficult and dangerous. Many schools have been destroyed or repurposed, highlighting the critical situation facing education in this conflict-ridden area.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has severely impacted education, with 2,594 schools closed in North and South Kivu provinces. The violence escalated due to increased aggression from M23 rebels against government forces, disrupting the academic environment for over 1.1 million schoolchildren.
In North Kivu, 1,483 schools are shut down, while South Kivu has 1,111 closures. The Education Ministry noted that resuming school operations is challenging due to safety concerns, including explosive devices found in some institutions.
Many educational facilities have been destroyed, converted into military enclaves, or even bombed. The ministry highlighted that the assault on schools is effectively an attack on the future, citing a school that was repurposed as a cemetery.
Since December, the M23 group has consolidated its control over territories in eastern Congo, having taken significant cities like Goma and Bukavu. As reported by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to the UN Human Rights Council, over 7,000 lives have been lost this year due to the ongoing fighting.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo poses a dire threat to educational stability, with thousands of schools closed and over a million children affected. The violence has not only disrupted education but has also resulted in severe human losses, highlighting an urgent need for intervention to secure the safety and future of the region’s youth.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
